Graphite Sintered Slot Plate

Graphite Sintered Slot Plate Introduction

The graphite slot plate is an industrial plate made of graphite, with V, W and other slots designed on the surface. These slots help in positioning and supporting other materials during industrial processes or are used for fluid guiding and heat dissipation. Sizes and shapes can be customized according to different needs.

Graphite slot plates are widely used in various industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, solar cell production, heat treatment furnaces, hard alloy sintering, chemical reactors, and powder metallurgy. In these applications, graphite slot plates can serve as support plates, heat dissipation plates, fixed bases, or reaction platforms to effectively improve the efficiency of the entire process and the quality of the products.

Key Characteristics and Properties of Graphite Sintered Slot Plate

High-Temperature Resistance: Graphite can withstand very high temperatures, making sintered graphite slot plates suitable for high-temperature applications where metals might melt or degrade.

Electrical Conductivity: Graphite is a good conductor of electricity, which is essential for applications like electrodes or electrical contacts.

Thermal Conductivity: Graphite conducts heat well, which is crucial for heat sinks or other thermal management applications.

Self-Lubricating: Graphite has inherent lubricating properties, reducing friction and wear.

Chemical Inertness: Graphite is resistant to many chemicals, making it suitable for use in corrosive environments.

Dimensional Stability: Sintering improves the dimensional stability of the graphite, meaning it's less likely to warp or change shape under heat or stress.

Porosity (Controllable): Sintering can be controlled to achieve specific porosity levels. Porosity can be advantageous for some applications.

Machinability: While graphite can be brittle, sintered graphite can be machined (cut, drilled, etc.) relatively easily, allowing for the creation of precise slots and other features.

Density: Sintering increases the density of the graphite compared to unsintered forms. Higher density typically means greater strength and durability.

Wear Resistance: Sintered graphite offers improved wear resistance compared to pure graphite due to the bonding of particles, which contributes to an increased durability.

Applications

Graphite sintered slot plates are used in a variety of industries and applications, often where the unique properties of graphite are essential:

Furnace Components: Used as heating elements, supports, or linings in high-temperature furnaces (e.g., vacuum furnaces, sintering furnaces). The slots can be designed to facilitate gas flow or radiative heat transfer.

Electrodes: Used as electrodes in electro-discharge machining (EDM), electrolysis, and other electrochemical processes. The slots can be designed to allow the flow of electrolyte.

High-Temperature Bearings and Seals: The self-lubricating properties of graphite make it suitable for bearings and seals that operate at high temperatures or in environments where liquid lubricants are not suitable. The slots could provide paths for grease, or to allow pressure equalization.

Molds and Dies: Used as molds for casting or forming materials, especially at high temperatures. The slots could be part of the mold design.

Sliding Contacts: Used in electrical sliding contacts, such as brushes in electric motors or current collectors.

Vacuum Systems: Graphite is compatible with vacuum environments, so these plates can be used in vacuum chambers for various purposes.

Spectroscopy: Graphite components are used in spectrometers and other analytical instruments.

Nuclear Reactors: Graphite is used as a moderator in some nuclear reactors. Sintered components may be used to precisely control neutron flux.

Brazing Fixtures: Used as fixtures in brazing processes due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and prevent the base materials from sticking.

Fuel Cell Components: Due to its electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, sintered graphite can be used as bipolar plates in fuel cells to separate the fuel and oxidant.

Advantages of Using Sintered Graphite

Improved Strength and Density: Sintering enhances the mechanical properties of graphite.

Customizable Porosity: The sintering process allows for control over the porosity of the material.

Complex Shapes: Sintering allows for the creation of complex shapes that might be difficult or impossible to achieve with other manufacturing methods.

Near-Net-Shape Manufacturing: Sintering can produce parts that are close to the final desired shape, reducing the amount of machining required.

Material Purity: The sintering process can be performed under controlled conditions, ensuring high material purity.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Graphite Sintered Slot Plate

Graphite Grade: Different grades of graphite have varying properties. Choose the grade best suited for the application (e.g., purity, grain size, density).

Sintering Process: The sintering process can affect the final properties of the material. Inquire about the sintering parameters used.

Slot Dimensions and Tolerances: Ensure the slots are precisely machined to the required dimensions and tolerances.

Operating Temperature: Select a graphite grade and sintering process that can withstand the operating temperature.

Chemical Environment: Ensure the graphite is compatible with the chemical environment it will be exposed to.

Mechanical Load: Consider the mechanical load the plate will be subjected to and choose a graphite grade with sufficient strength.

Porosity: Specify the desired porosity level based on the application requirements.

Surface Finish: Determine the required surface finish for the application.

Cost: Graphite can be expensive, so consider the cost-effectiveness of the material for the specific application.