Isostatic graphite is a type of graphite with an ultra-fine grain that is used for specific purposes where the mechanical properties found in other fine-grained graphites are insufficient. Among it's other desirable properties, isostatic graphite is corrosion resistant.
Isostatic graphite is also known as isostatically molded graphite, which is a reference to the means by which the raw material mixture is compressed into rectangular or round shaped blocks in a system called cold isostatic pressing (CIP). Cold isostatic pressing is a material processing method where a change in pressure of an enclosed incompressible fluid is conveyed unchanged to every part of the fluid including to the surface of its container.
Characteristics and application of isostatic graphite
Isostatic graphite is a new type of carbon graphite material developed in the 1960s. It has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, high strength, good electrical conductivity, good thermal conductivity, good self-lubrication, low thermal expansion coefficient, and good high temperature strength. Widely used in machinery, chemical industry, electronics, aerospace, nuclear industry and other high-tech fields.
There are three main forming methods for carbon and graphite products: hot extrusion forming (such as graphite electrodes for steelmaking); forming of aluminum industry carbon and electric carbon products (including vibration forming); isostatic pressing.
Although the molding methods are different, the molding principles are the same. The direction perpendicular to the pressure surface differs from the direction horizontal to the pressure surface and is called "anisotropy". This "anisotropy" is essential both for steelmaking graphite electrodes and for motor brushes. They need this quality. However, in many other cases, "anisotropy" is not needed, but "isotropy". As a result, isostatic graphite appeared.
Industrial Uses
All of the aforementioned properties make isostatic graphite a premium choice for precision machining. Therefore, graphite materials are widely used in various industries due to its unique combination of thermal, mechanical, chemical and physical properties. It also sees use in metallurgy, energetics, the manufacturing of fire-resistant materials, electrical machines and facilities.
Both natural and artificial graphite materials are often used in these industries. Artificial graphite is highly regarded due to its clearness and is classified based on the method by which it was manufactured and the application conditions for which it is intended.
Composites made from this material are similar to the strength parameters of steel while possessing high electrical and thermal conductivity.
There are some industries that would be hard-pressed to operate without graphite. For example, the isostatic graphite electrodes found in electrical discharge machines makes it possible to achieve a significant increase in the accuracy of metal processing.
Isostatic graphite is used to manufacture products with complex shapes that have a high surface finish. In the steel industry, isostatic graphite is used to making permanent molds, continuous cast dyes, chutes, etc.
In the electrical field isostatic graphite is used for electronic tubes and semiconductor containers, among others. It is also an essential material for nuclear power reactors and solar photovoltaic cells.
Isostatic pressing bags,molds,toolings
