At Graphel Carbon Products, we know that you’re concerned about the latest industry trends and products worldwide. That’s why we have a blog about graphite and EDM solutions. Take a look through our articles down below to learn something new, then contact us with questions.
Marc Sanders of Entegris | POCO Materials discusses the Nov. 2019 article “How to EDM Steel and Copper Alloy Simultaneously” (written by Marc and Rob Fothergill) with Graphel’s Ken Dworznik. The discussion includes polarity, on-time, peak current, material choice, and more, with a focus on getting the best results for your EDM application on both steel and copper alloy. Also, common questions answered!
Rob Fothergill of Entegris | POCO Materials joins Graphel’s Ken Dworznik to discuss his article “An Added Layer of EDM Knowledge” (Week 9 on the blog) and take listener questions on EDM material selection.
Graphel’s Dave Trinkley and Jaime Portillo join Ken Dworznik to discuss their backgrounds in the industry, adaptions to the challenges of Covid-19, Graphel’s different locations, and the solutions that Graphel offers to EDM customers- solutions such as graphite material consulting/distribution, electrode and tooling packages, and engineering services. Plus a shout-out to the team!
From Entegris| POCO Materials Article by Robert Fothergill
EDM TECHNOLOGY
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Sinker EDM technology has improved significantly over the years, changing many of the processes and decisions that an EDM operator will face when operating the machine. Even though operators may have access to the latest in machine tool technology, it is still important for them to receive training to understand machine parameters and the impact each one has on the finished product.
Marc Sanders, EDM Application Specialist at Entegris | POCO Materials, joins Graphel’s Ken Dworznik to discuss the services Entegris POCO can provide to EDM users, the importance of graphite material choice, and answer common EDM application questions.
From Entegris| POCO Materials Article by Jerry Mercer
THE SEARCH CONTINUES: GRAPHITE OR COPPER, WHICH TO CHOOSE?
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When determining the best EDM electrode material to use, the debate between graphite and copper has been long standing and is yet to be resolved. Many argue that graphite is the preferred electrode material while others stand firm with their preference for copper. Depending on the geographical region, the answer is most always the same. In North America, the preferred electrode material has shifted from copper in the beginning to graphite today. For Europe and Asia, some may argue that copper is the preferred material; however the use of graphite in these regions is steadily increasing. Without question, as depicted in Chart 1, graphite is the predominant material in the United States with at least 95% of electrodes being produced from this material. Steady increases of the use of graphite in Europe over the past decade have resulted in an electrode material ratio of 75% graphite/ 25% copper. Asia follows closely behind with estimations of 45% graphite/55% copper with the use of graphite continually rising. With over 70% of the global market using graphite electrode materials over copper today, perhaps the better question is not which is the best EDM electrode material to use, but instead what is causing this global change in the industry? To answer this, we must first identify the differences of each material to one another.
From Entegris| POCO Materials Article by Jerry Mercer
INTRODUCTION
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Unrivaled advancements in EDM technologies have become an intrinsic means of ensuring success in today’s global competitive environment. Shops today must find a method of reducing manufacturing costs while boosting productivity and providing a quality mold on time while meeting ever-increasing demands in customer specifications. Oftentimes this entails upgrading capital equipment to current technological capabilities. This article will examine the use of adaptive control and introduce the effects that an electrode material may have on the efficiencies of this function. Further, it will describe the details of a test conducted with an identical rib detail machined from materials of two different classifications programmed to complete the same task.
From Entegris | POCO Materials Article by Jerry Mercer
INTRODUCTION
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In the competitive moldmaking industry, throughput is the key to keeping production costs competitive. Shops want to increase productivity while maintaining profitable margins on their sinker EDM-related operations. Part of management’s strategy is often the inclusion of new equipment and technology. Investing in technology is as important to global competitiveness as optimizing asset ownership.
