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2mm graphite rod

(366 products available)

About 2mm graphite rod

Types of 2mm graphite rods

Graphite rods come in different diameters, including 2mm graphite rods, which are ideal for a variety of applications due to their size, strength, and heat tolerance properties. The rods can be segmented in multiple ways, as follows:

  • Naturally mined graphite rods

    Natural graphite is mined and refined into its various forms, including 2mm rods. The material is renowned for its structural stability, tensile strength, and ability to withstand extremely high temperatures. Often used in high-tech manufacturing, aerospace, and defense industries.

  • Synthetic graphite rods

    These 2mm rods are artificially produced to give more control over the properties of the material, which are often more homogenous than natural graphite. They are also more versatile in terms of the purity levels measured. This makes them ideal for high-precision applications such as electronics, and in steel manufacturing as well.

  • Foam graphite rods

    This is a relatively new type of graphite, which is not commonly manufactured in rods. It is, however, mostly found in sheets. The foam comes from treating a plastic graphite foam precursor with sulfuric acid and other chemicals before exfoliating it to form foam. This leads to the formation of a lightweight material that is very porous. It is, however, not used in rod form, which means that it cannot be directly compared to a 2mm graphite rod.

  • Amorphous graphite rods

    These are produced through the thermal conversion of coal or other carbon materials. They have disorganized crystal structures, which reduces the thermal and electrical conductivity levels. Mostly used in battery production or other applications where lower conductivity is required.

  • Graphite composite rods

    The composites typically contain a blend of graphite and other materials. This 2mm bi-directional graphite rod is mostly used in spaces where the benefits of both materials are required. It may, however, include resins to reduce temperatures and enhance mechanical strength.

Industrial applications of a 2mm graphite rod

2mm graphite rods have a wide array of industrial applications due to the properties attributed to the material. These applications include:

  • Machining and manufacturing

    Graphite rods, especially those that are 2mm in size, are ideal for CNC machining and micromilling manufacturing to make intricate components. The rods can be used to make custom parts, tooling, a pattern for casting, and electrode for EDM.

  • Thermal management, batteries, and fuel cells

    Graphite's high thermal conductivity allows it to be used in the management of heat in numerous electronic devices like CPUs, and power transistors. The rods can also be used in lithium-ion batteries and other types of batteries, such as lead-acid batteries and alkaline batteries, as anode material and current collector due to their porosity.

  • Medical equipment and implants

    The biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and strength of graphite 2mm rods allow their use in surgical instruments, implants like hip joints, and other biomedical devices where non-reactive and durable materials are required.

  • Art and sculpture

    Graphite is commonly used to make paints, as in pencil lead, and other types of artwork. A 2mm graphite pencil will, therefore, become a preferred size for detailed sketches, studies, and realistic graphite artworks.

  • Aerospace and defense

    Structural components are manufactured using 2mm graphite rods in thermal shields, housing, and other aerospace and defense applications. The rods are lightweight and can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for use in these areas.

  • Semi-conductor and electronics

    Used in the manufacture of semiconductors and other electronic components. The reason for this is that graphite has the ability to maintain consistent electrical conductivity.C

Product specifications and features of a 2mm graphite rod

To know what the product specifications of the graphite rods are, one has to think about features, quality control, and so on.

Key features

  • High melting point: Graphite has a very high melting point range of 3600-3700 °C, which allows it to retain shape and strength under extreme heat.
  • Thermal shock resistance: It expands without cracking when subjected to high temperatures. This makes it ideal for use in furnaces, crucibles, and other equipment that faces rapid temperature changes.
  • Electrical conductivity: Though it is a non-metal, graphite is still able to conduct electricity due to its free-moving electrons. This makes it ideal to be used in batteries, electrodes, and other electronic components.
  • Chemical inertness: Graphite does not respond to chemical reactions with most acids, bases, and solvents. This makes it suitable to use in corrosive environments.
  • Low thermal expansion: Graphite undergoes very little thermal expansion. This means that it will not change shape or grow as a result of heat in a material that is prone to expansion or contraction.

How to install

The 2mm graphite rod application will dictate how the rod needs to be installed. A few typical ways of installing include the following:

  • Mounting on tools: Graphite rods are usually secured on tools through machining processes where tools like lathes and mills will carve, cut, and shape the material directly. In CNC machines, the rods are held in chucks or collets and layered in their required shapes.
  • Electrodes: An electrode is made from graphite rods, which can then be secured to a power source using clamps or welding to an electrode holder.
  • Support structures: The rods will typically be attached to bases or other components using adhesive, screws, or other fasteners.

Maintenance and repair

The key to maintenance and repair depends largely on the application in which the graphite rod is used. The maintenance requirements of a 2mm graphite rod are as follows depending on usage:

  • Machining and tools: Graphite should be clean after each machining or manufacturing task. Cleaning can be done using soft brushes or cloths to remove debris and dust build-up. Avoid abrasive materials that may score the surface.
  • Electrodes: Electrodes should be allowed to cool after usage. They should then be cleaned using wire brushes or other cleaning implements to remove melted materials or impurities that may have formed a deposit.
  • Heat management components: Components should be checked regularly to identify any signs of damage. These should be cleaned using soft cloths or brushes. Avoid rough cotton that will create graphite dust on the surface.
  • Medical implants: Graphite rods used in medical applications should be handled by trained professionals only. Any trauma to the rod will necessitate replacement. Graphite used in this instance is often sealed inside devices that will not allow contaminants in or out.

Quality and safety considerations for a 2mm graphite rod

A number of factors are responsible for ensuring that the 2mm graphite rod quality is maintained from selection to storage to use.

Quality considerations

  • Materials and manufacturing

    The type of graphite used plays a very important role in determining the quality of the material. More natural graphite mixed with synthetic graphite creates a stronger material than foam or amorphous varieties. The technique used to manufacture the rod will also impact quality. An issue with Roberts and scragg mills will result in a poor-quality rod. The rod's diameter and length should be standardized and should be 2mm in diameter and of a standard length to ensure precision. Using a micrometer will enable users to check the diameter and ensure accuracy.

  • Purity and density

    Rod should contain minimal amounts of ash and other impurities. The carbon density levels should also be high to ensure the rod's strength and functionality.

  • Surface finish:

    Good-quality rods have smooth surfaces, making them ideal for manufacturing and machining processes. No air pockets or uneven areas exist on their surfaces.

Safety considerations

  • Dust and inhalation risks:

    Graphite rod might produce a lot of dust during machining and can cause serious lung harm if inhaled. One should wear the required filtration or respirator masks when handling the rods or working in areas where dust is present. Employers should provide respirators with P100 filters and dust masks to employees working with the rods.

  • Handling hazards:

    To avoid cuts, puncture wounds, or other injuries from sharp tools, implements, or equipment, always observe cautions when handling graphite rods. The rods should be stored neatly in their containers or designated storage areas to minimize tripping or rod accidents. Graphite is slippery, so caution should always be exercised when manipulating it.

  • Emergency preparedness

    Manufacturing graphite rods requires emergency response protocols to be prepared as part of the overall preparedness process whenever working with a potentially hazardous material. This could include employee training, having first-aid kits within reach, and knowing a safe area or route to go in case of emergencies.

  • Environmental impact

    Disposal of graphite or graphite mixtures in the environment will cause adverse environmental effects, as it may contain hazardous substances such as sulfur, nitrogen, or heavy metals that could have been used in the manufacturing process. When disposing of the rods, ensure that one is following all local rules and regulations regarding disposal and recycling.

Q&A

Q1. What is a 2mm graphite rod used for?

A1. A 2mm graphite rod is ideal for detailed, fine work in various fields like electronics, machining, batteries, thermal management, artwork, biomedical applications, and even in pencil leads.

Q2. What is the lifespan of a graphite rod?

A2. The lifespan of a graphite rod will depend on the use it is being put to. Anodes and cathodes in electrolysis, batteries, and fuel cells may last for a few months to years. In welding, carving, and melting, it may last a few hours to tens of hours. Electric arc furnaces can last from a few weeks to months.

Q3. Are graphite rods radioactive?

A3. Natural graphite may contain trace amounts of radioactive isotopes like potassium-40 and carbon-14. The isotopes, however, will not emit alpha radiation, which makes it safe. Some nuclear reactors use graphite as a neutron moderator. Synthetic graphite is produced to contain ultralow levels of radioactivity.

Q4. At what temperature does a graphite rod melt?

A4. A graphite rod sublimates around 3000°C in nitrogen and 4500°C in the absence of oxygen. It has a very high thermal conductivity, expansive coefficient, and heats very slowly with low thermal expansion. Some rods withstand electric currents without melting.