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Carbon Graphite Material

Custom carbon graphite is a versatile material with a wide range of properties that can be tailored to meet specific needs. It is known for its high strength, chemical resistance, and thermal conductivity. Saint Mary’s Carbon offers a variety of custom carbon graphite materials to meet the specific needs of their customers. We use a variety of treatments and coatings to achieve the desired properties.

Types of Carbon Graphite Grades

Our main categories of carbon graphite grades are outlined below; however, this is not an exhaustive list. If you have any questions on any of our grades, please ask one of our experts or contact us directly, and we will get back to you shortly.

ELECTROGRAPHITE

Electrographite materials have been processed to extremely high temperature to transform carbon raw materials to graphite. This process provide multiple benefits including dramatically increases Thermal Conductivity, Electrical Conductivity, Oxidation Resistance and Chemical Resistance.

Learn More About Electrographite

RESIN-BONDED GRAPHITE

Resin-bonded Carbon Graphite materials consist primarily of resin with varying degrees of carbon graphite injections to provide for specialized properties. These materials do not go through the coking and impregnation process.

Learn More About Resin-Bonded Graphite

SILVER GRAPHITE

Carbon Graphite or Electrographite can be modified through Silver impregnation. Silver Powder is impregnated into these base materials to impart additional benefits to the materials making them ideal for certain end-use applications. Silver further enhances the Carbon Graphite or Electrographite.

Learn More About Silver Graphite

COPPER GRAPHITE

This family of materials combines the high Electrical Conductivity of copper with other metal and graphite raw materials to produce proprietary materials with unique performance characteristics particularly suited for dynamic electrical transmission applications.

Learn More about Copper Graphite

ANTIMONY-IMPREGNATED

Impregnation with Antimony is uniquely efficient at reducing porosity in Carbon/Graphite and Graphite materials. This is due in part to the low Surface Temperature of the molten metal.

Learn More About Antimony Impregnated Graphite

BABBITT-IMPREGNATED

Babbitt alloys generally melt in the range of 433 oF (223 oC) to 479 oF (248 oC) which significantly constrains its application temperature limits as the Seal Face or Bearing Surface can be significantly above the process temperature

Learn More About Babbit-Impregnated Graphite

What are Custom Carbon Graphite Materials & How Does It Transform Carbon Graphite?

Custom carbon graphite is a versatile material made from pure carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice structure. This structure gives carbon graphite its unique properties, including:

  • High strength and stiffness
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • High thermal conductivity
  • Low coefficient of thermal expansion
  • Good electrical conductivity (depending on the grade)

However, unlike other forms of graphite, custom carbon graphite can be modified for specific properties and applications such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength.

For example, carbon graphite can be customized by impregnating it with resins or metals to improve its strength and electrical conductivity. It can also be coated with a variety of materials to improve its wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and other properties.

Benefits of Carbon Graphite

Custom carbon graphite offers a unique combination of properties that make it a highly versatile and valuable material across diverse industries. Here are some of its key advantages:

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Tailored Properties for Specific Needs


Unlike standard grades, custom carbon graphite can be meticulously formulated to achieve precise combinations of properties crucial for specific applications. This level of customization allows engineers to optimize factors like strength, porosity, permeability, and electrical conductivity to perfectly match the functional requirements of each project.
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Exceptional Self-Lubrication


A significant advantage of custom carbon graphite is its inherent self-lubricating nature. This property reduces friction and wear, leading to improved performance, extended lifespan, and reduced maintenance requirements in applications like bearings, seals, and sliding components.
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Broad Spectrum of Applications


The true strength of custom carbon graphite lies in its versatility. By adjusting its properties, it can be adapted to a wide range of industries and applications, from fluid handling to automation to aerospace components and environmental technologies. This versatility allows engineers to explore innovative solutions and push the boundaries of various fields.
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Cost-Effectiveness


Compared to some alternative materials, custom carbon graphite can offer a cost-effective solution due to its good machinability, reusability in certain applications, and long-lasting performance. Additionally, the ability to tailor properties can sometimes eliminate the need for multiple components, further reducing overall costs.

Applications of Carbon Graphite

Aerospace

Custom carbon graphite plays a crucial role in the demanding environment of aerospace applications. It is lightweight and has the key properties of high thermal conductivity, self-lubrication, low coefficient of friction, low wear rate and oxidation resistance.

  • Aircraft Engines: Carbon graphite’s sealing properties are used within the main engine to control air and gas flow within the engine and prevent oil leakage.
  • Gearboxes: Gearboxes are part of the transmission system and are used to adjust the rotational speed of the main engine’s shaft.
  • Auxiliary Power/Pneumatic Systems: Provides power for critical functions independently of the main engines, e.g., main engine starter, flight controls, de-icing, cabin pressurization.
  • Spacecraft Engines: Turbopumps used to power orbital launch/in-space transportation vehicles rely on carbon graphite’s seals to operate even within the extreme and harsh environment of space.

POWER GENERATION

Custom carbon graphite is used in a variety of applications that are used to generate power due to its properties of oxidation resistance, anti-friction/self-lubrication, low thermal expansion and low porosity.

  • Turbomachinery: Carbon graphite seal/rings are used in steam and gas turbines and compressors to produce mechanical and electrical energy used to in a variety of applications, including power plants, renewable energy plants, marine propulsion.
  • Wind Energy: Brushes work as electrical conductors within the generator and are crucial for efficient power transmission.
  • Nuclear Energy: Graphite bricks can be used as moderators within nuclear reactors. This reduces the speed and increases the efficiency of the reaction. This requires high purity graphite.

TRANSPORTATION & AUTOMATION

Custom metal carbon graphite properties, including electrical and thermal conductivity, wear resistance, anti-welding, strength and anti-friction/self-lubrication, make it ideal for a variety of transportation and automation applications.

  • Warehouse Automation/Robotics: Copper graphite can be used to help power autonomous robots and track systems in warehouses, including storage and retrieval systems, to drastically increase operational efficiency.
  • Sliding Electrical Systems: Copper graphite and electrographite can be used in variety of moving electrical equipment, including rail systems, cranes, people movers and conveyors.
  • Automotive/Industrial Vehicles: Carbon graphite and metal graphite can be used for electrical components within a vehicle, such as brushes in electric motors and current collectors in generators.

FLUID HANDLING

Custom carbon graphite is used in a variety of pumps for fluid handling. Its high and low temperature stability, oxidation resistance, low friction/wear and self-lubricating properties make it especially ideal to handle a variety of fluids.

  • Harsh Environments: Carbon graphite’s oxidation resistance and ability to withstand extreme temperatures make it ideal to handle toxic chemicals and temperatures ranging from cryogenic to over 1000 oF.
  • Sanitary Environments: Carbon graphite can be used in applications requiring sanitary conditions, e.g., food and beverage, medical, as it is non-toxic, chemically resistant, self-lubricating, and has a large temperature range. There are FDA and NSF approved grades specifically for these environments
  • Dry-Running Environments: In certain fluid applications, a lubricant is not able to be used as it would contaminate fluid. Carbon graphite has self-lubricating properties allowing it to run dry and avoid fluid contamination.

FAQs about Using Customized Carbon Graphite

What is the range of custom carbon graphite grades available, and how do they differ?

Custom carbon graphite isn’t a one-size-fits-all material. Instead, it comes in a diverse range of grades, each formulated with specific properties to excel in various applications. These grades differ based on several factors, including:

  • Density: This impacts the material’s weight, strength, and thermal conductivity. Denser grades offer greater strength and thermal conductivity, while less dense grades are lighter.
  • Porosity: This refers to the presence of tiny air pockets within the material. Grades with higher porosity offer improved self-lubricating properties and can be beneficial for applications like bearings. On the other hand, lower porosity grades provide better strength and electrical conductivity.
  • Impregnation: Certain grades are impregnated with materials like resins or metals to enhance specific properties. For instance, resin impregnation improves strength and electrical conductivity, while metal impregnation can enhance thermal conductivity and wear resistance.

Understanding these factors and their influence on specific properties allows manufacturers to select the optimal grade of custom carbon graphite for any given application, ensuring it meets the required strength, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and other crucial performance characteristics.

What machining techniques are suitable for custom carbon graphite, and are there any special considerations?

Custom carbon graphite’s unique properties necessitate specific machining approaches compared to traditional metals. While it shares some similarities with machining other materials, here are the key considerations:

  • Machining techniques: Various techniques can be employed, including sawing, drilling, milling, and grinding. However, due to its inherent brittleness, special precautions are necessary to prevent chipping or cracking. Diamond-tipped tools are often preferred for cleaner cuts and reduced risk of damage.
  • Machining speed and feed rates: Compared to metals, custom carbon graphite requires slower machining speeds and feed rates. This helps minimize heat generation, which can lead to material degradation and cracking.
  • Dust control: Machining custom carbon graphite generates fine dust, so effective dust control measures are crucial to protect personnel and maintain a healthy work environment.

By understanding these considerations and employing appropriate techniques, manufacturers can effectively machine custom carbon graphite for various applications, achieving the desired shapes and dimensions with minimal material waste or damage.

How does custom carbon graphite fare in terms of environmental impact, considering its production and potential for recycling?

Custom carbon graphite offers environmental advantages compared to certain materials. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Production: While the production process requires energy, custom carbon graphite is primarily derived from naturally occurring carbon sources like petroleum coke or pitch. This reduces reliance on virgin materials compared to metals that involve extensive mining and refining processes.
  • Recycling: Custom carbon graphite can be recycled through various methods, including mechanical and chemical recycling. Recycled material can then be used in new applications, reducing overall resource consumption and environmental footprint.
  • End-of-life considerations: Custom carbon graphite can be landfilled at the end of its useful life without posing significant environmental concerns. However, responsible waste management practices are always encouraged, and exploring recycling options should be prioritized whenever possible.

Overall, custom carbon graphite offers a sustainable material choice compared to certain alternatives, considering its production process, recycling potential, and minimal environmental impact at the end of its life cycle.

Request A Quote Today

Custom carbon graphite is a versatile material that can offer a variety of benefits for your application. Contact Saint Mary’s Carbon today to request a quote and learn more about how they can help you meet your specific needs.

How carbon graphite will make your products & parts superior

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For more information about our services, call us at 814.781.7333

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