Advantages of Graphite

Carbon-graphite offers a unique combination of physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics found in no other material.  

Graphite is one of the most effective dry lubricants known.  The molecular structure of graphite forms an extremely thin film on moving parts.  This film is virtually indestructible.  Graphite combats friction at both slow and fast speeds.  Carbon-graphite products will not seize or gall in the most severe applications.

Becker mechanical carbon is an excellent heat conductor and has outstanding resistance to thermal shock.  Becker carbon-graphite can “pull” and defuse heat generated by friction at the seal faces.  A graphitized or metal impregnated grade may be desired in applications demanding extreme thermal conductivity.

For all practical purposes, Becker Brothers mechanical carbon-graphite grades are chemically inert – unaffected by strong concentrations of most acids, alkalis, solvents and similar chemicals.  Thus parts and components made from this remarkable material are ideally suited for food processing, chemical and fuel handling equipment, as well as pumps, vanes, valves, plus thousands of other industrial operations where corrosion is a major problem.

Maintaining flatness at the seal face is critical.  The high modulus of elasticity of Becker mechanical carbon-graphite products has the required stability to remain flat during operation at the rubbing faces.

Mechanical carbon-graphite can be accurately machined to exceptionally close tolerances. For further information please contact our Engineering Department about our graphite machining services.

Mechanical carbon-graphite has high compressive strength. Becker’s grades range from 11,000 – 38,000 lbs./sq inch of compressive strength. It is best to take advantage of high compressive strength in designing a mechanical part. It is common to protect the part with either a back-up material or to shrink fit the mechanical carbon part into a metallic ring when the transverse or tensile strengths are under heavy stress.

Since mechanical carbon-graphite can be porous, various impregnants are used to fill these pores.  Becker’s grades range from highly porous to totally impervious.  Since some grades should not be machined or are difficult to machine after impregnation, it is best to work with our Engineering Department to select the correct grade for your particular applications.