Having Your Own Graphite Machining Setup
Graphite is the most widely-used electrode material. It has variable properties that makes it applicable for different machining applications, from rough cutting to polishing. Graphite electrodes remain an essential item in many shops. Given how the importance of the electrodes, some shops have a setup dedicated for graphite machining. This setup provides the graphite electrodes needed for electrical discharge machining (EDM) applications. The ability to create graphite electrodes with specific shape and properties on demand helps speed up the entire production process by eliminating procurement time.
However, a graphite machining setup is not for everyone. There are considerations that must be carefully looked into. The most important one is how big of a role EDM plays in the shop operation. A graphite machining setup requires several conventional machining equipment. It also requires a personnel to operate or maintain. There is also the need to take up space within the shop. A dedicated graphite machining setup can cost a lot so EDM must really be important to warrant the setup.
Well-off shops with larger scale of operations can afford having a dedicated graphite machining setup. For smaller shops, it seems the best option is to have the graphite electrodes supplied by a third party. Delays in procurement can be avoided or minimized by more planning ahead. There are also suppliers of electrodes that have very quick turnaround for orders.
