Graphite Grades

Graphite grades are categorized according to particle size. The size determines which type of machining applications the graphite electrodes are suitable for. It determines surface finish, strength, corner wear, and geometric precision. Using the wrong grade of graphite can be a painful experience. It is important to know the main types of graphite grades and their primary uses.

Submicron grade graphite has a particle size of less than one micron. This grade of graphite is the most expensive. It is capable of holding sharp corners. Submicron graphite is used for reproducing extremely fine details

Premium grade graphite has a particle size that is equal or less than 5 microns. This grade of graphite is used for most small and medium high-precision mold work and die work. It is heavily used in aerospace production

High-performance grade graphite has a particle size between 10 to 20 microns. This grade of graphite has moderate cost. Its cost makes it a cost-efficient choice for larger mold and dies work.

General purpose grade graphite has a particle size above 20 microns. This grade of graphite is the least expensive. General purpose graphite is primarily used for forging dies. The advent of high-speed hard machining methods has caused the demand for this grade of graphite to plummet.

Keep in mind that there are many intermediate grades that are available. However, most shops do not benefit from having a wide range of grades. Having so many grades of graphite on the shop floor will only lead to confusion and more storage work.

Lifting Magnets: Are They Worth It?

There are three ways to increase your profits. You can increase your rates. You can work on increasing the number of customers. Or you can try keeping operating costs down. Keeping operating costs down is the easiest. Increasing your rates can drive away customers. Increasing the number of customers is largely dependent on market demands. Keeping the operating costs down is entirely within your control.

Part of operating costs is the procurement of shop equipment.  Being smart and not buying something that is not needed or does not provide any benefits to your operation is a good way to keep the operating costs down. When thinking of purchasing an equipment, it is always important to ask, "Is it worth it?" Let us look at lifting magnets.

Lifting magnets are just one of the many magnet tools used in shops everywhere. As the name suggests, lifting magnet is a magnet tool used for lifting and moving materials around the shop, from the floor to the table or from one table to another. Lifting magnets have a wide range of lifting capacity. The more powerful lifting magnets can carry up to 3000kg.

Lifting magnets make moving heavy stuff faster and safer. It improves productivity and quality of work by allowing the worker to focus his effort on technical work instead of manual labor. It also prevents injuries caused by constantly lifting and carrying heavy materials.

Lifting magnets, especially the permanent ones, are a one-time expense. They don't require electricity to work and require minimal maintenance. As far as equipment goes, the lifting magnets are definitely worth the buy for shops that deal with heavy workpieces.

Ergoboll

Magnetic boards or tables are standard tools in most shops. The tables anchor metal workpieces to prevent unwanted movement during machining processes without needing the use of clamps. This magnetic tool makes it easier and faster to set up the position of the workpiece. This way, machine operators can proceed with the machining process instead of spending so much time perfecting the setup.

The ergoboll is a type of magnetic board mounted to a ball. It has the same functions as conventional magnetic boards, which is to secure workpieces in place. However, the big difference is that the ball can be rotated freely to provide the best ergonomics and leverages when working. This increases precision and productivity, as well as protect the wellbeing of workers.

Instead of moving around the and contorting into uncomfortable positions, a worker can adjust the angle and orientation of the workpiece for ideal working leverages and comfort while staying in place. This magnet tool helps relieve the shoulder and neck and prevent injuries.

The advantages of an ergoboll can be felt in precision and time-intensive processes. The ergoboll comes in different sizes to suit the type of application and availability of space inside the shop. It comes as a permanent or electromagnet. It is an excellent alternative to large tilting magnetic tables.