Custom Carbon & Graphite Machining

27 Feb

Market Growth for Synthetic Graphite

As we close the book on 2023, synthetic graphite is experiencing sustained market growth driven by several factors such as the growth in steel production, the continued demand for lithium ion batteries, and the growing demand for graphite in many other sectors. Below, we’ll look at some of the drivers of the increase in synthetic graphite, and even natural graphite, production we are currently experiencing. Growing Demand for Lithium-Ion Batteries With the rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, synthetic graphite, particularly in the form of graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, was in high demand in...

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...

14 Dec

Military Applications for Carbon Graphite Materials

Synthetic and even natural graphite are used by the government in several military applications due to the unique properties of graphite materials, including their high strength, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and lightweight characteristics. Warfare is an extreme human activity and is practiced in extreme conditions. Carbon graphite and extreme conditions are no strangers, of course. When exposed to high temperatures, graphite materials have the advantage over metals in that they do not soften or warp, and high pressures do not force it out into different shapes. Natural graphite, and to a greater extent synthetic graphite, are thus highly stable materials...

07 Dec

Machining Synthetic Graphite

Machining graphite material, be it synthetic or natural graphite, requires the same type of CNC machines as does, say, machining steel or aluminum. When cutting graphite material, though, there are very important distinctions as to how the machines are actually set-up in order to properly perform. Particularly in the synthetic graphite manufacturing process, there are risks to cutting graphite material in a shop unequipped for machining graphite. At Semco, machining graphite material is precisely what we are equipped for. Machining synthetic or natural graphite requires specific equipment and tools to achieve precision and to minimize the risk of contamination. Synthetic...