Graphite electrodes are the main heating element used in an electric arc furnace, a steelmaking process where scrap from old cars or appliances is melted to produce new steel.
Graphite electrodes offer excellent thermal resistance and high current carrying capacity which makes them a suitable choice in electric arc furnaces (EAF) steel, refinement of steel and similar smelting processes. Besides EAF and LF, graphite electrodes are also used for electrolytic aluminum smelting and electrical discharge machining (EDM).
The global graphite electrode market size was valued at USD 3.83 billion in 2016 and is anticipated to grow on account of increasing steel production through electric arc furnace (EAF) route in developed as well as developing nations. Excellent temperature resistance, high electrical & thermal conductivity, and ultra-high bending resistance of these materials are expected to augment growth over the forecast period.
Graphite electrodes are large cylindrical structures made up of needle coke (petroleum coke).These electrodes are available in small or large diameters for high-temperature and high- intensity applications. Graphite electrodes are mainly used for steel manufacturing in electric arc furnaces. They are also used in steel refining and smelting processes. The key application of graphite electrodes is in production of steel and non-ferrous metals.