Graphite electrodes are mainly made of petroleum coke, needle coke and coal pitch through calcining, batching, kneading, forming, baking, graphitizing and machining. Graphite electrode is a conductor which releases electric energy in the form of arc in the furnace to heat and melt the charge. The following are the main factors that affect the price fluctuation of graphite electrodes.

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1. The Increasing Demand of High-Quality Steel

This is one of the main factors propelling the market growth of graphite electrodes. The rapid development of steel industries such as construction, automobile, infrastructure, aerospace and national defense has led to an increase in steel demand and production.

2. Electric Arc Furnace is the Trend of the Times

Affected by environmental protection and high production flexibility, the steel-making process in developing countries is changing from blast furnace and ladle furnace to electric arc furnace (EAF). Graphite electrodes are the main energy source for electric furnace steel consumption, and as much as 70% graphite electrodes are used in electric arc furnace steel making. The rapid development of electric furnace forces the production capacity of graphite electrode to be increased.

3. Graphite Electrodes are Consumables

The use period of graphite electrode is generally about two weeks. However, the production cycle of graphite electrodes is generally 4'5 months. During this use, the production capacity of graphite electrode is expected to be reduced due to national policies and the heating season.

4. High-Grade Needle Coke Short in Supply

Needle coke is a key raw material for the production of graphite electrodes. It is a calcined petroleum coke (CPC) which accounts for about 70% of the input cost of graphite electrode production. The price increase caused by the limited number of needle coke imports is the main reason for the direct increase in the price of graphite electrodes. Meanwhile, needle coke is also used in the production of electrode materials for lithium batteries and aerospace industries. These changes in supply and demand make the price of graphite electrode is inevitable.

5. Trade Wars Between the World's Major Economies

This have led to a sharp decline in China's steel exports, and forcing other countries to increase production capacity. On the other hand, it has also led to an increase in the export volume of graphite electrodes in China. In addition, the United States raised tariffs on Chinese imports, which greatly reduced the price advantage of Chinese graphite electrodes.

What Are Graphite Electrodes and What Do They Do?

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Graphite Electrodes

Graphite electrodes might sound complicated, but simply put, they are rods made of graphite used to conduct electricity in industrial processes like steelmaking.

Graphite can withstand extremely high temperatures, so it's perfect for generating the intense heat needed to melt metal and make steel.

Materials In Stock

Below is an example list of items that Weaver Industries keeps in inventory to expedite your turnaround times:

• Synthetic graphite (rounds, rods and blocks)
  • Electrode Grade (electrodes, blocks, plates)
  • Medium Grain (~.030' Grain size)
  • Fine Grain (~.008' Grain size)
  • Super Fine Grain (5 micron grain size)
  • Anti-Oxidation treated
  • Phenolic impregnated
  • Metal impregnated
  • Purified (pure to 5 ppm)
• Graphite tubes (all grain sizes)
• Graphite dust and chunks
• Carbon (rounds and blocks)
• Carbon composites (chopped fiber, long strand, 3D and 4D woven)
• Graphite and carbon felts
• Graphite and carbon insulation
• Graphite foil
• Treated and non-treated flux tubes
• Porous graphite and carbon

What Are Graphite Electrodes Made Of?

The main ingredient in graphite electrodes is synthetic graphite, which is produced by heating petroleum coke, a by-product from oil refining. This transforms the coke into a very crystalline, conductive form of carbon.

The electrodes also contain elements like coal tar pitch and calcined anthracite to help hold them together and resist oxidation while being baked at blazing temps over °C. Some metal particles are added, too, to boost conductivity.

Why Graphite Electrodes Are Essential for Steel Mills

In steel mills, graphite electrodes make melting scrap metal and raw materials possible by creating electrical arcs that heat up to about °C. This allows the desired chemical transformations to occur so the end product steel has just the right composition and properties.

The electrodes withstand incredibly high heat and current loads as they constantly burn away and get replaced in the furnace. Good-quality electrodes are vital for steel mills to operate efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Graphite Electrodes Have Multiple Uses Across Industry

Steel may be the biggest user, but graphite electrodes wear many hats. In smelting processes for metals like titanium and copper, these electrodes can carry massive currents in submerged arc furnaces while resisting damage from extreme conditions.

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They also help produce phosphorus, carbides, zinc, and other non-ferrous metals. Even diamond production relies on the unique merits of graphite electrodes.

Commercial and Household Applications

Beyond heavy industry, graphite electrodes also serve some very specialized commercial roles. For instance, in electrical discharge machining (EDM), graphite contacts carefully shape metal parts using controlled electrical sparks. EDM is used to cut complicated shapes that would be impossible with conventional tools.

Graphite contacts are also found in electrical probes for measuring surface temperatures during welding or heat treatment. Even your everyday spot welder relies on graphite!

Don't Forget to Care for Your Electrodes

Hardworking electrodes operate in scorching, harsh environments, so it's crucial not to neglect maintenance. Electrodes need to be regularly inspected for cracks or oxidation. Any damage should be repaired immediately with special conductive filler materials or re-shaping.

Proper storage and handling prevent issues down the line. Correctly maintained electrodes will keep working reliably for you over the long haul.

What Is Graphite Electrode Repair?

Reclaimed graphite electrodes can be repaired and reused, which improves sustainability without sacrificing performance. Repaired electrodes are ideal for industrial applications and can offer substantial cost benefits.

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The Indispensable Nature of Graphite Electrodes

Look inside any major steel mill or metal smelter globally, and you'll find graphite electrodes hard at work. Even with technological advancements, graphite electrodes have been indispensable in these types of facilities for years.

Advances Bring Higher Efficiency and Performance 

Graphite electrode technology has come a long way from the early days. Modern ultra-high power (UHP) electrodes allow steel mills to operate faster and more efficiently.

Ongoing improvements like enhanced thermal properties and strength through nanomaterials point toward even better electrode performance in the future.

Advantages of Graphite

Your Source for Graphite Electrodes

Partner with Weaver Industries for all of your graphite electrode needs.

• We can machine the largest parts in the industry with capabilities that include 4th and 5th axis milling, sanding, grinding, coring and drilling.
• We provide in-house programming and drawing capabilities with both NX and Solid Edge software.
• In addition to worldwide access to all graphite manufacturers, we offer a diverse graphite inventory of certifiable, extruded, molded and isostatic molded material giving you fast turnaround time.
• We can repair graphite electrodes for steel mills and other industrial applications for a fraction of the cost of machining new ones.

We look forward to working with you!

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Factors affecting the price of graphite electrodes

What Are Graphite Electrodes and What Do They Do?