SIGRAFINE® die-molded carbon and graphite

SIGRAFINE Die-Molded Components for Mechanical Applications

What is die-molded carbon and graphite?

The material class of die-molded carbon and graphite contains amorphous carbon as well as graphite and the so-called carbon graphite, a composite material containing both hard carbon and graphite. The materials have a fine to ultrafine granulation and can also show a high anisotropy due to the axial forming process. Extremely wide property profiles result from this large material variety with regard to mechanical strength, friction, and conductivity.

Materials were designed for example to match specific tribological or electrical properties. These can be even further enhanced by impregnation with resins, phosphates, or metals. In contrast to the other synthetic graphite shaping processes the die-molding technology also allows for applying the pressed to size technology (PTS). This near net shape pressing is highly efficient and is of considerable advantage since complex parts can be produced in high volumes, cost efficient, and with minimum material input.

Low wear and long-term stability
Our die-molded carbons and graphites boast low material wear and thereby long service life. We offer a variety of types to allow us to respond to different frame conditions.
Safety from temperature and thermal shock resistance
Of all known materials, graphite has the highest thermal shock resistance. Thanks to their high purity, SIGRAFINE materials of graphite and carbon-graphite contribute significantly to process reliability.
Adjustable expansion behavior
Good physical compatibility of the materials employed is also relevant. To achieve this they must display the same or similar thermal expansion coefficients. By targeted selection of formula components, we can set the coefficient of expansion of our SIGRAFINE specialty graphite to the values of the relevant partner material.
Thermal conductivity – a key property
SIGRAFINE materials also boast excellent thermal conductivity, which is usually more pronounced in graphite than in the surrounding components, thereby preventing overheating and excessive abrasion, and extending the service life of the system.

Many factors influence wear behavior: material pairing, sliding speed, strain, finish of bearing surfaces and operating conditions. We take a holistic view of the tribological system to find the material solution best suited to your specific requirements.

We are glad to advise you. Take advantage of our in-depth application know-how!

Outstanding mechanical, thermal and chemical properties make our specialty graphite the go-to choice for a multitude of automotive and mechanical-engineering applications.

The outstanding properties of our SIGRAFINE graphite and carbons – corrosion and thermal resistance, gliding ability, electrical conductivity, among others – are benefits of our special production process (shown below).

The seven phases from high quality raw material to final product ensure consistent composition of the crystalline graphite structure; targeted changes to the process steps and the formulation needed to influence the behavior of the material according to need. This opens the door to near-net-shape pressing, a potential cost savings driver.

Metal, phosphate, and synthetic resin impregnations improve physical properties, reduce wear and increase thermal resistance. We impregnate our SIGRAFINE specialty graphites with metals and metal alloys such as antimony as well as synthetic resins and salts.

We can implement pressed-to-size technology (PTS) in many areas: Near-net-shape pressings make it possible to manufacture complex component parts in large numbers at low materials usage. Since mechanical end machining is entirely or largely unnecessary, this process is especially cost-efficient.