The graphite electrode industry has experienced significant growth in the last few years. This is due to the high demand by steel manufacturers. As a result, several companies have acquired smaller players to increase their production capabilities and enter new markets. One example is the merger of GrafTech International with Brookfield Asset Management in 2015. The merger was a win-win for both parties. It increased production capacity, and allowed both firms to expand into other sectors.
Graphite electrode is a key product in the production of iron or non-ferrous alloys by the electric arc fusion (EAF) method and the laddle fusion route. It is a consumable used to conduct high currents needed for melting, alloying and other processes. It has a unique property which makes it impervious against acids, bases and most chemicals. This is important for applications requiring an inert, non-reactive electrode to minimize side reactions and ensure purity of the produced products.
In the EDM process, an electric discharge occurs between the cathode and workpiece surfaces. The cathode surface emits electrons that collide with the workpiece. This leads to melting and vaporization of the material. This process is performed with negative polarity. The energy of the electrons will be distributed throughout the material. This distributes thermal energy evenly and prevents any distortion in the surface texture of the machined workpiece.
During EDM the Graphite Electrode gets coated with a thin layer of carbon particles. This black deposit is made up of erosion products, dielectric pyrolysis carbon, and detached graphite grain. The deposits are a concern because they can decrease the adhesion power of the Graphite Electrode on the workpiece. The deposits can also be difficult to remove from Graphite Electrode which increases maintenance costs.
A new method for enhancing the performance of graphite electrodes was developed. The electrodes had to be patterned in order to increase the adhesion coefficient and lithium-ion diffusivity coefficient. The Graphite Electrode also received an oxidative heat treatment to improve its electrical conductivity and chemical stability. The results were evaluated.
The global graphite electrode market is forecast to grow during the forecast period. This is mainly because of the rising steel production and demand for advanced technology in industrial applications. The North American Graphite Electrode market is predicted to expand significantly over the forecast period. This is due to the fact that the region has a well-established manufacturing process and a knowledge of graphite electrode production.
North American manufacturers are also producing UHP electrodes. These manufacturers are expanding their production capacity to meet the demand for UHP graphite electrodes of high quality. This is in response a growing demand of steel and aluminum which are essential parts in various end use industries. Graphite electrodes in North America are also benefiting from an increase in demand for electric vehicle. The industry also benefits a favorable demand-supply balance and stable price scenario.
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