Graphitbearbeitung

Graphite machining characteristics and best practices

Graphite is machined primarily for EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) electrodes. It is abrasive, brittle, and produces conductive dust that can damage machine electronics. This guide covers the essential parameters for successful graphite machining.

• Graphite is highly abrasive -- use diamond-coated or PCD tools exclusively. Carbide wears in minutes; diamond-coated lasts hours.
• Dry machining is standard -- no coolant. Graphite dust + coolant = abrasive conductive slurry that damages machines. Use high-velocity dust extraction.
• High speeds: 500-2000 m/min surface speed. High feeds: 0.05-0.15 mm/tooth. Low depth of cut for finishing: 0.05-0.2 mm. Graphite cuts easily but edge chipping is the main quality concern.
• Dust extraction is mandatory: use a vacuum system with HEPA filtration (not standard shop vacuum). Graphite dust is conductive and will destroy CNC electronics if it enters control cabinets.
• Toolpath strategy: climb milling, avoid sharp internal corners (graphite fractures), use ramped entries, and leave 0.02 mm for a final spring pass to clean up edge chipping.

How to use this Graphite Machining Reference Guide

Use diamond-coated or PCD tooling exclusively. Machine dry with high-velocity dust extraction. Set speeds 3-5x higher than for steel. Use climb milling and avoid sharp internal corners. Protect your CNC machine from graphite dust -- it is conductive and abrasive to machine components.