Graphite Materials and Systems

Specialty
Graphites
for the Metal
Industry
2

Specialty Graphite and Process

Solutions made by SGL Group.
Advanced material, equipment,
and process solutions

Engineered for customers from

more than 35 industries

Tailor-made from the most

comprehensive product portfolio

In-depth production and

material knowledge

Consistent high quality, performance,

and service

Attractive total cost of ownership

Broad Base. Best Solutions.

Business Unit Graphite Materials and Systems 3

Advanced solutions
enable our customers
to get ahead.
SGL Group offers advanced solutions even for challenging applications.
We understand the specific requirements of our customers and combine
in-depth production, material, and engineering knowledge with the most
comprehensive specialty graphite portfolio. This makes us the partner of
choice to leading companies in many different industries.

Exceptional resistance to heat and corrosion, high
purity and mechanical strength are just a few of
the outstanding properties which our materials
offer. Specialty graphite products from SGL Group
achieve optimal results where other materials fail.
No matter what your specific requirements might
be, we will identify the best solution from the most
comprehensive range of specialty graphites.
Fine grain graphite: isostatic, vibration-
molded, die-molded, extruded
Expanded natural graphite
Carbon fiber-reinforced carbon (C/C)
Soft and rigid graphite felts
Silicon carbide-coated graphite materials
Additionally we use other materials like PTFE,
silicon carbide, and specialty metals.
With our portfolio and technical know-how
spanning more than 35 different industries,
b Boring a crucible made from
SIGRAFINE fine-grain graphite
we engineer tailor-made solutions in close
partnership with our customers.
SGL Group covers the entire value chain of
specialty graphite production, including raw
material processing, semi-finished product
manufacture, precision machining, purification,
and coating. When it comes to engineering of
equipment and process solutions our service
range makes the difference: We offer mechanical
and process design, production, assembly, commis-
sioning, and service all from a one-stop shop.
This is how we control and ensure the consistent
high quality, reliability, and performance of our
products and enable our customers to become
more competitive. Challenge us. We are there for
you worldwide.
Specialty graphite solutions for the metal industry
Innovative specialty graphite solutions help our
customers in the metal industry in many areas:
from casting and purification processes for pure
metals and alloys to sintering processes in the
powder metal industry. With optimized materials,
we are a partner of choice to leading companies.
4

Specialty graphites made by SGL Group.

Solutions for the metal industry.

For our customers in the metal industry, everything revolves product lifetime, and cost efficiency, the requirements for com-
around melting, casting, and shaping at very high tempera- ponents and systems are becoming ever more challenging. The
tures. With the increasing demands on material purity, focus is increasingly on specialty graphites.

+
SIGRAFINE is the new brand name

for our fine-grain graphites, previously known
under the names RINGSDORFF, SIGRAFORM,
SIGRAMENT, and CRYSTA-SIL.

Graphite crucible
Cooling system
Withdrawal unit

Graphite die

Applications Horizontal casting

Materials made of SIGRAFINE

carbon and graphite Isostatic, vibration-molded, die-molded
and extruded graphites

Products Cooling plates

of the SGL Group Dies
Crucibles
Casting molds
Semi-finished products
(round/rectangular material)
SPECIALTy GRAPHITE solutions FOR THE METAL INDUSTRY 5

SGL Group is proud to be able to offer the metal industry
best solutions, even for the most challenging tasks. With
our innovative, high-performance materials, we support the
development of this industry.
Our manifold materials are appreciated for their outstanding
technical properties and ability to meet the highest require-
ments in terms of quality, cost efficiency, and eco-friendliness:
from achieving extremely high purity to simplifying machining,
and saving on flushing gas. In numerous applications, our
specialty graphites enhance the performance of systems and
processes.
For consistent quality, every stage of our production is
strictly monitored. Every block is tested and documented.
These measures range from thorough incoming goods inspec-
tions and raw materials testing to continuous monitoring of
process parameters and sampling from each individual block
that leaves the production process. In addition, clear identifi-
cation codes make it possible to trace the provenance of each
product every step of the way.

+
Video: isostatic graphite, a key product

for the high-tech industry.
sglgroup

Graphite crucible

Spout
Cooling system
Graphite gas injection tube
Graphite die
Graphite ladle lining

Withdrawal unit

Vertical casting (furnace-dependent) Degassing systems

SIGRAFINE SIGRAFINE
isostatic, vibration-molded, die-molded isostatic, vibration-molded
and extruded graphites and extruded graphites

Cooling plates Gas injection tubes

Dies Rotary gas distribution systems
Crucibles Casting rings
Casting molds Ladle linings
Semi-finished products Tapping spouts
(round/rectangular material)
6

Specialty graphites for

continuous casting
Graphite materials offer a range of advan-
tageous properties that can prove benefi-
cial in many metallurgical applications,
such as continuous casting:
Excellent thermal shock resistance
High chemical and thermal resistance
Increasing flexural strength with rising
temperature
Adjustable thermal conductivity for
optimized slip properties
SPECIALTy GRAPHITEs FOR CONTINUOUS CASTING 7

SIGRAFINE fine-grain graphites

for dies and crucibles
Continuous casting of non-ferrous metals, precious metals,
and iron is a widely used process. It offers non-stop produc-
tion and ensures high material quality.
Thanks to their high thermal conductivity, our isostatic
specialty graphites enable rapid, targeted solidification of
metal alloys.
For vertical continuous casting, large molds, and low through-
put, extruded graphites, such as SIGRAFINE HLM, can also
be used as a material for pressure components. In addition,
numerous synthetic graphite powders are available as car
burizing agents.
For dies and crucibles, extruded and vibration-molded
graphites are used, depending on the size.
Thermal shock resistance, consistently high purity, and high
material density with low porosity guarantee excellent
melting processes.
SIGRAFINE fine-grain graphites are tailored to specific
alloying requirements.
With critical metal alloys in mind, we have developed special
isostatically pressed graphites with high mechanical strength
and density. We supply them as semi-finished products but
also make crucibles and dies from them to suit individual
requirements.

b Vertical down casting of precisious metal alloy,

melting in a graphite crucible and
typical continuous casting graphite dies

Recommended use of SIGRAFINE isostatic graphites for metal alloy dies

Alloy Shape R4340 R4500 R4550 R4810 R4820

round
CuZn strip
wire
round
CuSn strip
wire
round
CuNiZn strip
wire
round
CuNi strip
wire
round
Ag alloys strip
wire
round
Au alloys strip
wire
Gray cast iron/spheroidal cast iron

Other grades on request. Please contact us.

Material data and dimensions can be found on page 8.
 8

The thermal conductivity of graphite is higher than that of one quarter that of iron. Thermal conductivity and thermal
many metals and decreases with rising temperature. The expansion can be adjusted by appropriate selection and pro-
thermal expansion coefficient of many graphite grades is only cessing of the raw material or by the degree of graphitization.

Typical thermal conductivity of graphite Typical thermal expansion of graphite

100 2.0

80
1.5
Thermal conductivity [%]

Thermal expansion  1)
60
1.0
40

0.5
20

0 0
500 1000 2000 3000 500 1000 2000 3000
Temperature [K] Temperature [K]

1) amount X added to

Material data for SIGRAFINE isostatic graphites

Typical properties Units R4340 R4500 R4550 R4810 R4820

Average grain size m 15 10 10 20 20
Bulk density g/cm 1.72 1.77 1.83 1.82 1.82
Open porosity Vol. % 15 14 10 11 10
Average pore size m 2.2 1.8 1.8 3.3 2.0
Coefficient of permeability (20C) cm/s 0.25 0.25 0.06 0.30 0.15
Rockwell hardness HR /80 HR /70 HR /90 HR /95 HR /100
Flexural strength MPa 45 50 60 45 50
Compressive strength MPa 90 110 130 100 105
Dynamic modulus of elasticity GPa 11.0 10.5 11.5 10.5 11.0
Thermal conductivity (20C) Wm-K- 105 90 105 140 125
Thermal expansion (20200C) 10-K- 3.2 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.2
Ash content % 0.02 0.02 0.002 0.005 0.01

Standard dimensions of SIGRAFINE isostatic graphites for continuous casting

R4340 R4500 R4550 R4810 R4820

1550 x 410 x 200 mm
1230 x 500 x 400 mm 1230 x 500 x 400 mm 1230 x 510 x 330 mm 1230 x 510 x 330 mm
1230 x 500 x 400 mm
610 x 500 x 400 mm 610 x 500 x 400 mm 610 x 510 x 330 mm 610 x 510 x 330 mm
610 x 500 x 400 mm
150420 x 1230 mm 380 x 520 mm

Other grades and dimensions on request. Please contact us.

You will find the US-units in the data sheet enclosed with the brochure.
 9

Development partnership
leads to new material
In close collaboration with OEMs and
end users in the copper and copper alloy
industry, we have developed the specialty
graphite SIGRAFINE R4820 for casting
dies. The important advantages of this
innovative material are:
Lower oxidation
Faster casting rate
Better mechanical wear strength
This is just one example of an application-
specific optimized solution from the
SGL Group.
10

Specialty graphites for

die casting and sintering
Graphite materials and components are
being increasingly used in the metal indus-
try for die casting and sintering processes.
In these applications, graphite offers the
following particular advantages:
High resistance to temperature change
Extremely high compressive strength
Increasing flexural strength with
rising temperature
Low wettability and adhesive tendency
Good porosity
SPECIALTy GRAPHITEs FOR DIE CASTING AND SINTERING
SIGRAFINE fine-grain graphites
for molds
Railroad wheels and diamond drill bits are typical die-cast
and sintered products. Our carbons and extruded, vibration-
molded, and die-molded graphites are highly suitable for the
complex molds used to produce such components. These
c Large graphite round formats used as casting molds
for railroad wheels
For casting railroad wheels, we have developed special
vibration-molded and die-molded graphites. These materials,
sold under the brand name SIGRAFINE, are primarily charac
terized by good permeability and high mechanical strength.
We supply them as semi-finished products but also make
large-format casting molds from them, tailored to individual
requirements.
b SIGRAFINE graphite molds
for pressure sintering
11
specialty graphites are robust and have a long service life
thanks to their material properties.
With our comprehensive range of materials, we cover all
material property and size requirements.
c Extruded graphite round formats
e.g. for casting diamond drill bits
For components used to produce diamond drill bits, we sup-
ply special extruded and isostatically pressed graphites.
The wide range of materials sold under the SIGRAFINE brand
name caters for both tungsten carbide powder production and
prototype molds. The extruded graphites are highly suitable
for e.g. moldmaking, while the isostatically pressed graphites
are used specially for molds to create the intricate recesses in
drill bits and for cutting tools.
 12

Unlike with most materials, the tensile, compressive, and Our graphite grades differ only slightly in their temperature-
flexural strength values of graphites increase with rising tem- dependent specific heat value.
perature up to 2700 K, beyond which they start to fall again.
At 2700 K, graphite is twice as strong as at room temperature.

Mechanical strength of graphite Specific heat of graphite

200 2.5

150 2.0
Mechanical strength [%]

Specific heat [J/gK]

100 1.5

50 1.0

0 0.5
500 1000 2000 3000 500 1000 2000 3000
Temperature [K] Temperature [K]

Material data for SIGRAFINE HMR die-molded graphite

Typical application: molds for railroad wheels

Standard dimensions of HMR

1090x 585 mm
1220x 585 mm
Typical properties Units 1395x 585 mm
Bulk density g/cm 1.65
Max. particle size mm 0.8
Flexural strength (3 pt) MPa II 16.9
Thermal conductivity (20C) Wm-K- II 116
Thermal expansion (100600C) 10 -K- II 3.61
Rockwell hardness II 23
Ash content % <0.1
Iron content ppm <200

II parallel to the grain direction.

Other grades and dimensions on request. Please contact us.
You will find the US-units in the data sheet enclosed with the brochure.
SPECIALTy GRAPHITEs FOR DIE CASTING AND SINTERING 13

c Boats made from SIGRAFINE fine-grain graphite for thermal

treatment in the powder metal industry

Material data for SIGRAFINE MKUN vibration-molded graphite. Typical application: large-size casting troughs for metal melts
Material data for SIGRAFINE HLM extruded graphite. Typical application: molds for diamond boring heads

Standard dimensions of MKUN Standard dimensions of HLM

760960 x 1000 mm
11501550 x 600 mm 400780 x 1830 mm
1685 x 550 mm 500 x 500 x 3300 mm
610 x 720 x 2700 mm 600 x 600 x 3300 mm
Typical properties Units 630 x 1300 x 1420 mm
Bulk density g/cm 1.66 1.72
Max. particle size mm 0.8 0.8
II 7 9
Dynamic modulus of elasticity GPa
I 6 7
II 3 pt 9 4 pt 19
Flexural strength MPa
I 3 pt 9 4 pt 19
II 23 40
Compressive strength MPa
I 23 39
II 6 13
Tensile strength MPa
I 6 13
II 2.3 3.0
Thermal expansion (20200C) 10 -K-
I 3.1 3.5
Ash content % 0.07 0.08

II parallel to the grain direction; I perpendicular to the grain direction.

Other grades and dimensions on request. Please contact us.
You will find the US-units in the data sheet enclosed with the brochure.
14

Typical components for

degassing systems
For efficient degassing processes with
maximum purification, gas injection and
distribution systems designed to suit
specific plant conditions play a crucial
role.
On the basis of their specific plant pa-
rameters, we help our customers design,
produce, and operate optimum degassing
systems.
SPECIALTy GRAPHITEs FOR DEGASSING SYSTEMS 15

SIGRAFINE fine-grain graphites

for degassing systems and casting rings
Graphite offers considerable advantages over other mate
rials thanks to its material properties such as thermal shock
resistance, corrosion resistance, and virtually zero wettability
by metal melts. It is therefore highly suitable for degassing
processes and is used to remove hydrogen and oxidic impuri-
ties from aluminum and aluminum alloy melts.

The entire aluminum processing chain benefits from the

typical properties of graphite:
from high oxidation resistance and low abrasion during melt-
ing and degassing to mechanical efficiency, low wear, and high
thermal shock resistance during casting. Application-specific
materials ensure cost-efficient operation with optimum
results. c SIGRAFINE casting rings for the production
of aluminum billets

We work closely with OEMs supplying the aluminum pro-

cessing industry.
For example, in collaboration with customers, we have devel-
oped casting rings made from isostatic graphite R4800 that
are used in the production of aluminum billets. Our material
was chosen because of its uniform pore distribution.

c SIGRAFINE MTS gas injection tubes

b Purification tube made from SIGRAFINE HLM

for treating molten metals
16

Specialty graphites for degassing tubes

and gas distribution systems
Materials for gas injection tubes and rotary distribution sys-
tems must withstand extreme stresses, e.g. rapid temperature
changes, high operating temperatures, contact with molten
metal, highly corrosive flushing gas, and alloy constituents.

We supply selected materials for degassing tubes and gas

distribution systems used in non-ferrous metal melts.
Our SIGRAFINE materials allow plant-specific design of gas
injection systems for batch-operated and continuous plants
of any size, irrespective of output rate.

c Crucible and rotary gas distribution systems

made from SIGRAFINE fine-grain graphite

c SIGRAFINE rotor heads for rotary

gas distribution systems
 SPECIALTy GRAPHITEs FOR DEGASSING SYSTEMS 17

Oxidation rates of gas injection tubes Effective surface of the flushing gas

30 6

25 5

Contact surface/liter gas [m2]

unprotected
20 4
Relative oxidation rate

15 3

10 2
oxidation-protected
5 1

0 0
870 920 970 1020 1070 4 8 12 16 20
Temperature [K] Gas bubble diameter [mm]

For gas injection tubes, SIGRAFINE MTN and HLM should
preferably be used.
The reason for this is the high oxidation rate. For specific
requirements, we supply an additional special impregnation
(NOX treatment) that further increases the oxidation protec-
tion and lifetime of the materials.
Gas injection systems made from SIGRAFINE achieve very
high degrees of purity with lower gas consumption.
Gas injection with graphite tubes or rotary distribution
systems produces very fine gas bubbles. This increases the
effective surface of the flushing gas. In addition, it reduces
the rate of gas bubble rise, which means that the flushing
gas remains longer in contact with the melt. Through this
fine gas distribution, graphite tubes enable far more effective
melt purification, so that much less gas is required to achieve
comparable results.

Material data for SIGRAFINE MTN extruded graphite

Typical application: degassing systems

Standard dimensions of MTN

Typical properties Units
50/12 x 3000 mm
Bulk density g/cm 1.62
Max. particle size mm 0.4
Open porosity Vol. % 24
Dynamic modulus of elasticity GPa II 12
Flexural strength (4 pt) MPa II 18
II 25
Compressive strength MPa
I 25
Tensile strength MPa II 10
Thermal expansion (20200C) 10 -K- II 0.8
Coefficient of permeability (20C) cm/s 0.5
Thermal conductivity (20C) Wm-K- II 160
Ash content % 0.15

II parallel to the grain direction; I perpendicular to the grain direction.

Other grades and dimensions on request. Please contact us.
You will find the US-units in the data sheet enclosed with the brochure.
18

We will find the best solution

in partnership with you.
The fascinating potential of carbon as a
material excites us and inspires us to develop
optimum solutions in partnership with
our customers.
With our comprehensive material portfolio
and valuable specialist know-how, we can
manufacture tailored products even for
the most challenging applications.
Consistently high quality, a global presence,
innovative strength, and the extensive
experience of our employees make us a
reliable partner to our customers.
Whatever challenges you face, together we
will find the best solution.
sgl group the carbon company 19

SGL Group
The Carbon Company.
A leading global
manufacturer of
carbon-based products.
Unique product portfolio
Innovative technologies and solutions
Production sites close to sales markets
Technology & Innovation Center in Germany
with international networks

b Quality testing of a
SIGRAFINE strip die

We have wide-ranging expertise in raw materials,
advanced manufacturing processes, and long
standing application and engineering know-how.
We have a comprehensive portfolio of carbon,
graphite, and carbon fiber products and our
integrated value chain covers everything from
carbon fiber to composites. With a global sales and
distribution network and modern production sites
in Europe, North America, and Asia, we are close to
our customers throughout the world.
We use this broad base to offer our customers the
best solutions possible. That's how we live up to our
claim: Broad Base. Best Solutions. This claim is also
upheld by our corporate SGL Excellence philosophy
of continuous improvement.

+
More information can be found by visiting:
www.sglgroup.com
sglgroup
sglgroup
Contact
europE/Middle East/Africa americas
SGL CARBON GmbH SGL CARBON LLC
Drachenburgstrasse 1 900 Theresia Street
53170 Bonn/Germany PA 15857 St. Marys/USA
gms-europe@sglgroup.com gms-americas@sglgroup.com

asiA/pacific
SGL CARBON Far East Ltd.
12 Fl, Shanghai Oriental Plaza
31 Wujiang Road
Shanghai 200041/PR China
gms-asia@sglgroup.com

Picture credits:
Allgemeine Gold- und Silberscheideanstalt AG, Pforzheim/Germany (page 6)
SM Schsisches Metallwerk Freiberg GmbH, Freiberg/Germany (page 9)

registered trademarks of SGL CARBON SE 07 2015/0 2N Printed in Germany

This information is based on our present state of knowledge and is intended to provide general notes on our
products and their uses. It should therefore not be construed as guaranteeing specific properties of the prod-
ucts described or their suitability for a particular application. Any existing industrial property rights must be
observed. The quality of our products is guaranteed under our General Conditions of Sale.

Graphite Materials & Systems

SGL CARBON GmbH
Soehnleinstrasse 8|65201 Wiesbaden/Germany
www.sglgroup.com/gms