Do you make degassing lances and fluxing tubes?

Yes. We machine graphite degassing lances and stirring elements for non-ferrous metals, selecting grades for thermal resistance and shock.

How does a stirring bar differ from a degassing lance?

In function. The bar moves the bath to homogenize it; the lance injects gas through an internal bore. In rotary equipment both functions combine in a rotor that stirs while dispersing gas.

How is shaft breakage avoided?

By sizing the section for the stirring torque and avoiding abrupt starts with a cold or crusted bath. Paddle geometry matters as much as the grade, because it sets the load reaching the shaft.

Which grade suits stirring?

Flexural strength and erosion resistance are sought, with the purity the treated metal requires. Strength values are compared on each grade datasheet.

Metallurgical applications

Foundry stirring bars

Graphite stirrer bars, thanks to their resistance to chemical attack and impact, are used in molten metal handling.

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Bath stirring element

Also known as: Graphite stirring bars · Graphite rotors for molten metal · Graphite stirring paddles · Molten bath stirrers

[ Technical summary ]

Stirring bars, paddles, and rotors homogenize the metal bath in temperature and composition, and help incorporate alloying additions or distribute treatment gas. The part rotates or moves within molten metal, adding flow erosion to the thermal and chemical demand. Graphite is used because it is not wetted by non-ferrous metals, withstands the thermal shock of immersion, and machines into paddle or rotor geometries matched to the furnace.

[ Problem it solves ]

Homogenize the bath without introducing an element that dissolves, is wetted, or adds inclusions — and that also tolerates repeated immersion in molten metal.

Operating conditions

Bath agitation
Degassing
Homogenization

When it is suitable

The bath shows thermal or compositional stratification
Alloying or refining additions must be distributed
The stirrer is immersed and withdrawn on each treatment
Aluminium, copper, or other non-ferrous metals are treated

When it may not be suitable

The contacting metal readily dissolves carbon and the alloy cannot tolerate it
Stirring imposes high bending loads on the shaft
The bath flux attacks carbon under those conditions

Process challenges

Agitator erosion
Metal contamination
Fracture from thermal shock

Advantages

Chemical resistance to many non-ferrous metals
Thermal stability
Custom design

Limitations

Wear from erosion and thermal shock
Possible metal contamination if the grade is unsuitable
Service life depends on cycles and metal flow

[ Critical selection variables ]

These variables define the grade and the geometry. Actual values are confirmed against the grade datasheet.

Molten metal or alloy in contactDecisive
Rotational speedDecisive
Operating temperatureDecisive
Bath or flux chemistryDecisive
Geometry and tolerancesRelevant
Thermal shock severityRelevant
Thermal and duty cyclingRelevant

[ Required material properties ]

Properties that guide selection. Numerical values come from each grade's datasheet.

Critical properties

Thermal shock resistance
Non-wetting by molten metal
Chemical resistance
Flexural strength

Secondary properties

Wear resistance
Thermal stability
Machinability

[ Related ]

[ Frequently asked questions ]

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Technical content reviewed by ESGRAF — Last reviewed: September 8, 2026

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