Custom Carbon & Graphite Machining

10 Feb

Problem Solving at Semco - Precision Graphite Machining for Graphite Applications

Semco runs a complex manufacturing facility in Lorain, Ohio. We employ highly skilled workers who run state-of-the-art equipment to perform precision graphite machining. So many variables are at play when we make custom parts for our clients’ graphite applications, and our expertise is in controlling all of those variables (eg, graphite grade, tolerancing, design specs, etc) to produce high quality graphite components that our customers depend on. With so many moving parts in our operation, it is inevitable that problems will arise. While problems in the production line can back up orders and are generally seen by all employees as...

03 Feb

Incentive Programs at Semco - Improving Our Graphite Manufacturing Performance

At Semco, we have always looked at ways to improve our graphite manufacturing performance through the adoption of the most up-to-date technologies, computerized systems, and machines. Also, we have always been at the forefront of adopting the newest, best, raw materials for graphite fabrication. We also seek out and hire the best people to do this work. With such great engineers, machinists, and clerical staff, we feel it would only be logical and fair to reward great performance. Doing so also helps our bottom line. Thus, we have implemented a variety of programs that incentivize our workforce to perform at...

21 Jan

The Challenges of Measuring Surface Finishes

Any surface, from a school desk to a basketball court, has a topography with peaks and valleys. On the surface of the earth, topography is readily apparent (except, maybe, in parts of Kansas). But even the smoothest metal surfaces deviate from a theoretically ideal plane. Recent standardization has resulted in the creation of a standard range (Ra) for surface deviation, measured in micrometers or micro inches. With graphite material, these deviations from a perfect plane are typically more pronounced due to the porous nature of graphite. Those small naturally occurring pores in the material have the effect of increasing the...

14 Jan

Industries that Use Graphite

For many people, graphite is something associated with pencil lead. People may remember it has something to do with diamonds, high temperature, and, if they think back to high school chemistry, crystalline molecular structure. Outside of industry, graphite is a material that just doesn’t get a lot of play in the media like steel or aluminum do. Followers of this blog, though, know that carbon products are crucial in many industries and the many uses of graphite. Graphite is a versatile and extraordinary material, and at Semco, we make it our business to be experts in everything about graphite and...

07 Jan

Holiday Traditions at Semco Carbon

The holidays are a special time around Semco. We keep working, but we slow it down a bit. We use the time to take stock of another great year of work, and we spend time with friends and family. As we celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year, we make sure our employees know how much they are appreciated. With that in mind, Semco provides its employees with a year-end bonus, a small appreciation for the good work throughout the year. In addition to being able to provide our employees with an end-of-year bonus, Semco is lucky in...