Graphite is one of the most versatile but complex materials to work with in the industrial sector. This carbon material has excellent properties for high-temperature applications, although working with graphite machining is a complex process.
In this article we talk about the machining of graphite components and how at Lidering, from our facilities in Reus (Barcelona), we manufacture custom-made mechanical seals, including graphite components. Here we tell you how our graphite machining room is specifically designed to work with this material.
What is graphite and what is it used for?
Graphite is a black mineral with a metallic sheen, consisting of crystallised carbon, and with a temperature dissipation and lubricating effect. Graphite is used for many things, from the manufacture of pencils to industrial applications, such as the manufacture of customised pieces, rubbing faces, floating ring seals, graphite rotary joints, batteries, brake pads, etc.
Graphite is a widely used material in industrial applications due to its heat resistance, low friction and ability to withstand aggressive environments. But one of the features of graphite is its complex and delicate handling.
Safety in the graphite machining process
The process of machining graphite is not easy, because its handling generates dust in suspension, which causes damage to machinery and can lead to tool wear problems.
But if we talk about safety in the graphite machining process, the most important thing is that suspended graphite dust can put operators at risk during the manufacturing of some of our products, such as rubbing surfaces, high temperature secondary seals or seals for Quench type circuits: continuous exposure to these particles in the air can cause different respiratory system diseases, as well as these same particles in the air increase the danger of fire or explosion.
At Lidering, as manufacturers of mechanical seals for the process industry, we have an exclusive graphite machining centre for working with this material, within our facilities in Reus (Barcelona). This room, with prepared tools and powerful dust extraction systems to maintain a particle-free atmosphere, helps us to work with this material correctly and efficiently, without putting workers or tools at risk.
Therefore, our graphite working centre allows us to handle this material in an exclusive area, equipped with:
- Advanced dust extraction systems, which remove suspended particles and ensure a safe environment for our operators.
- Specific machinery designed to work with graphite, without compromising machining accuracy.
- Ability to machine pure graphite or antimony filled graphite, ideal for high abrasion, pressure or temperature applications.
In this way, we are able to work with this mineral in a graphite machining centre, specifically designed for this purpose, with total safety and guarantee for our workers, for the machinery and for the final product.
Customised graphite machining
Thanks to our experience, we understand the complexity of graphite machining and we know how to work with it: as specialists in machining pure graphite parts, we can manufacture customised parts from this material, from small series to prototypes, with no quantity limitations. Moreover, as we are manufacturers, we control the entire production process, reducing lead times.
We work in different industries where graphite is an essential material, thanks to its thermal and mechanical properties:
Graphite components for the chemical and energy industry.
- Rubbing faces for mechanical seals in pumping systems for corrosive products.
- Graphite seals for turbines and high temperature reactors.
FDA-certified graphite for the pharmaceutical and food industry.
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- Graphite secondary seals resistant to aggressive chemicals.
- Graphite components for packaging and sterile production machinery.
Graphite components for the metallurgical and automotive industry.
- Antimony-filled graphite for high friction parts.
- Components for industrial furnaces and dry lubrication systems.
Does your industrial sector need customised graphite components? Ask us about our graphite machining service and remember that, thanks to our custom manufacturing capabilities, we can adapt each part to the specific needs of each industry and customer.
