Using aluminum tooling for injection molding is not an entirely new concept. Initially, prototype molds were most commonly made out of aluminum, although the automotive industry has used it for years and it has slowly been gaining popularity with companies outside the automotive realm. […]
Dust ProtectionSince graphite is such an abrasive material, protection of the CNC’s working parts from graphite dust is extremely important. Some machine tool manufacturers have developed turnkey solutions1 that address these application-specific needs. […]
The following are specific advancements which impact automation: […]
Now that we know generally how graphite is made, how do we choose the correct grade? In order to maintain cost effectiveness, an EDM shop needs to choose EDM graphite that provides dependable quality at a good price. […]
More accurate electrodes will reduce leadtimes by eliminating the need for secondary processes such as polishing. Shorter leadtimes allow moldmakers to turn jobs over more quickly, driving higher volumes and better profits. […]
EDMing thin ribs is a difficult application. High-speed machining of the elec-trodes has made it possible to fabricate these electrodes from grades that are not capable of maintaining the detail in the cavity. The ideal graphite grade for thin ribs should have a flexural strength above 10,000 psi. […]
High-speed machining centers have made it possible to machine intricate detail into almost any grade of graphite, a task that would have been impossible using manual or CNC machining equipment. The high-speed spindles, making multiple passes with smaller chip loads, allow thin ribs to be machined without putting pressure on the rib. Materials with low [...]
The physical properties of each grade of graphite determine the ranking within classifications. The properties that influence performance are particle size, flexural strength and shore hardness. These properties along with a photomicrograph of the microstructure are the best tools for predicting graphite performance. […]
The graphite industry is constantly striving to produce higher quality grades. Graphite materials have continued to evolve along with the other aspects of the EDM industry, but at a less dramatic pace. Advancements have been made in the microstructure of the graphite materials, as this is the key to performance. […]
Graphite selection is critical to the success of the job. It is important to understand the characteristics and physical properties of the different manufactured brands and grades produced. The various grades should fall within one of the four EDM classifications: Angstrofine – Less than one-micron particle size material is used when extremely fine surface finishes [...]