Custom Carbon & Graphite Machining

07 May

Synthetic Graphite in Electric Vehicles

Synthetic Graphite in Electric VehiclesThink back ten years. Do you remember seeing electric vehicles on the road? Hybrids, perhaps, and yes, those featured advanced battery technology. But lithium-ion batteries were not powering many cars. Now, think of your commute today. Chances are, you saw several electric vehicles, possibly even e bikes, on your way to work. Electric vehicles have become so common, you probably don’t even notice them. The electric vehicles revolution continues to accelerate in the market today, with automakers worldwide transitioning their fleets from internal combustion engines, with their carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels and emitting greenhouse...

15 Feb

Graphite and Oxidation

A recurring issue we hear about from people using graphite components is graphite oxidation. This term describes unwanted redox reactions where oxidizing agents modify graphite properties negatively. Hence, especially at high temperatures, steps need to be taken to eliminate oxygen presence so that oxidation and deterioration of graphite components is avoided. Semco strives to educate our clients who order custom graphite components about the proper environments in which those components should operate. However, new clients will come to us expressing their frustration that graphite components are failing long before they should. One reason to work with the synthetic graphite experts...

01 Feb

Molded Graphite Rods

Graphite is well known for its corrosion resistance and good thermal conductivity. At Semco, we have noted an uptick in a particular mechanical application of synthetic, high density graphite: molded graphite rods. With this large increase in requests for molded graphite rods in various diameters, we have decided to add a new piece of equipment that would allow us to substantially increase the volume of rods produced. This dowel rod machine takes high density graphite blocks, which can be machined with more precision than with less dense material, and shapes them into rods that are useful across industries, in a...

29 May

Welcome Alan Smith, Our New CAD/CAM Expert

Semco is always delighted to welcome new members to our graphite machining team. It is a special pleasure to introduce Alan Smith, our new process engineer with years of experience in computer-aided machining and mechanical design engineering. Alan comes to us with extensive CAD/CAM experience and training. Alan Smith and Family Alan is a family man with many interests. Before we get to the family side of Alan’s life (a big side), let’s discuss what Alan does in his free time. He enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as riding ATV’s, kayaking, bicycling, hiking, fishing, and boating. In addition...

28 Apr

Machine Learning in CNC Machining

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been hot topics in the past few years. Recently, you’ve probably heard all about ChatGPT, and maybe you’re on the waitlist to try Google’s Bard. You may not have heard how deep learning in machine learning is being used in CNC machining. As we are in all aspects of graphite machining, Semco is ahead of the curve with machine learning and graphite production. Since 2018 Semco has been experimenting with forms of AI and machine learning, especially in applications relating to CNC machining. AI Defined So what exactly is AI? In simple terms, AI...