The role and process analysis of graphite box bowl in the industrial field
1、 The core role of graphite bowls in the industrial field
As a container material with excellent high temperature resistance and chemical stability, graphite box bowl plays an irreplaceable role in key process links in multiple industrial fields.
- Sintering of lithium battery materials (such as lithium iron carbonate positive/negative electrode materials)
During the sintering process of lithium-ion battery materials, graphite bowls are mainly used for material loading in high-temperature solid-state reaction environments. Its function is reflected in:
High temperature resistance: can withstand sintering temperatures of 1200-1500 ℃
Antioxidant activity: reduces material and container reactions in an inert atmosphere
Uniformity of heat conduction: Ensure uniform heating of the material and avoid local overheating - Smelting of precious and rare metals
In the smelting and purification of precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and rare metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, and tantalum:
Resistance to metal melt erosion: Graphite does not react with most metal melts
Resistant to rapid cooling and heating: able to withstand sudden temperature changes during metal casting
Smooth surface characteristic: reduces metal adhesion loss - Powder metallurgy processing
In the sintering process of iron-based, copper based, nickel based and other alloy powders:
Dimensional stability: Maintain geometric accuracy at high temperatures
Gas permeability: conducive to the circulation of sintering atmosphere
Demoulding performance: reduce the adhesion between the sintered body and the container - Sintering of special ceramics
In the sintering of ceramics such as alumina, zirconia, and silicon nitride:
Chemical inertness: Avoid reacting with ceramic raw materials
High temperature strength: able to withstand mechanical stress during ceramic sintering
Thermal expansion matching: reduce stress cracks caused by thermal expansion and contraction
2、 The main production process types of graphite bowls
The mainstream manufacturing processes in the current market can be divided into two categories: - Graphite material machining and forming
technological process:
Raw material processing (isostatic pressed graphite blank) → CNC machining → surface treatment → quality inspection
Technical features:
Suitable for complex structures: capable of processing irregular parts, porous parts, etc
Low material utilization rate (about 50-70%)
Long processing cycle (2-5 days per piece)
High dimensional accuracy (up to ± 0.05mm) - Integrated compression molding
technological process:
Graphite powder mixing → mold pressing → high temperature roasting → impregnation treatment → finished product processing
Technical features:
Suitable for mass production (20-50 pieces per cycle)
High material utilization rate (>90%)
Structure limited by mold
Low dimensional accuracy (± 0.2mm)
3、 Comparative analysis of two molding processes - Comparison of material properties
Index: Machining, Forming, Pressing, Forming
Density (g/cm ³) 1.75-1.85 1.65-1.75
Flexural strength (MPa) 35-45 25-35
Porosity (%) 12-18 18-25
Thermal conductivity (W/m · K) 90-110 70-90 - Economic analysis
Machining Forming: High cost per piece (including material loss and processing fees), suitable for small batch customization
Compression molding: After mold amortization, the cost of a single piece is reduced by 30-50%, making it suitable for large-scale production - Differences in applicable scenarios
Machining type: used for precision instrument sintering, special shaped bowls, and research and development test scenarios
Compression molding: suitable for standard specification products, metal melting containers, and ceramic batch production - Comparison of service life
Under the same operating conditions (temperature 1300 ℃, cyclic use):
Average lifespan of machined parts: 80-120 cycles
Service life of pressed molded parts: 50-80 times
The differences mainly stem from the differences in density and structural integrity
4、 Technological development trends - Material modification direction
Adding silicon carbide reinforcement phase: increasing high-temperature strength by 15-20%
Surface antioxidant coating: prolongs service life by 30-50%
Nanoscale graphite powder: improving the density of pressed parts - Process integration innovation
Near net forming technology: combining compression and precision machining to reduce material loss
3D Printing Applications: Developing Additive Manufacturing Processes for Graphite Based Composite Materials
Intelligent detection: introducing CT scanning for internal defect analysis - Environmental upgrade requirements
The utilization rate of waste recycling has increased from 40% to over 75%
Developing water-based binders to replace traditional asphalt binders
Upgrading of Roasting Waste Gas Treatment System
5、 Industry application suggestions - Guiding principles for selection
For temperatures above 1400 ℃, machining type is preferred
It is recommended to press and form standard parts for mass production
Choose high-purity graphite material for corrosive environments - Key points for use and maintenance
Establish a temperature life correspondence curve: for example, it is recommended not to exceed 100 cycles at 1300 ℃
Develop standardized cleaning procedures, including ultrasonic cleaning, high-temperature calcination, and other processes
Establish a size detection database: monitor deformation during use - Cost optimization strategy
Mixed use scheme: machined parts for the core area and pressed parts for the auxiliary area
Gradient density design: The working face adopts a high-density structure
Repair and Reuse: Immersion Repair Treatment for Surface Cracks
epilogue
As a key industrial consumable, the process selection of graphite box bowl needs to comprehensively consider the balance of usage environment, cost budget, and performance requirements. Machining and forming maintain advantages in the field of precision manufacturing, while compression molding has significant cost-effectiveness advantages in large-scale production. In the future, with the advancement of new material technology and manufacturing processes, the two types of processes will show a trend of integrated development, promoting the efficient application of graphite bowls in more industrial scenarios. Manufacturing enterprises should conduct technical and economic analysis based on specific needs, establish a full lifecycle management system to achieve optimal utilization efficiency.
