Which hot-end parts are made from carbon or graphite?

Gob guides, deflectors, dead plates, sweep-outs, conveyor guides, and transfer elements. All share the same requirement: sliding contact with hot glass without marking the ware.

Why does it reduce transfer marks?

For two reasons acting together: the surface slides with low friction and no sticking, and it draws less heat at a point than metal, avoiding a chill mark on the ware.

How is the grade selected by zone?

According to the glass temperature at that point, the cadence, and the abrasion present. Harsher contact zones call for greater wear resistance; it helps to state the exact position within the machine when quoting.

Are parts made for specific machines?

Yes, to drawing or from the used part, with the machine fixings and adjustments. This is the usual route for replacing elements on installed lines.

Carbon guides and mechanisms for hot glass

Glass applications

Hot-glass guides

Gob guides, deflectors, sweep-out fingers, dead plates and conveyor guides in carbon/graphite for the hot end.

Request a quote

Hot-end transfer element

Also known as: Graphite gob guides · Carbon dead plates · Graphite sweep-outs and deflectors · Conveyor guides for hot glass

Guides, sweep-out and transfer mechanisms for hot glass.

[ Technical summary ]

In the hot end of a container line, the gob and the freshly formed ware pass over guides, deflectors, dead plates, and transfer mechanisms. Each contact happens at high cadence on glass that is still soft, so the surface must slide without marking or sticking. Carbon and carbon-graphite provide self-lubrication at that contact and draw less heat at a point than a metal guide, which reduces transfer marks.

At the glass-container hot end, carbon/graphite parts contact the gob and hot ware without oil lubrication. They reduce thermal stress, marking and wear-related stops.

ESGRAF supplies blanks and machined parts for guides, deflectors, sweep-out and transfer mechanisms. Share part type, machine and cycle for a quote.

[ Problem it solves ]

Transfer ware and gobs at production cadence without leaving contact marks or causing stoppages from sticking on guides and plates.

Operating conditions

Container forming
Hot end
Gob transfer

When it is suitable

Glass is transferred while still soft between stations
Metal guides leave marks or cause rejects
Machine cadence requires sliding without a lubricant
Parts must match the machine geometry

When it may not be suitable

The part is left in hot air during stoppages, with no protection
The zone accumulates broken glass that acts as an abrasive on the guide
The part takes direct impact from falling ware

Process challenges

Glass marking
Abrasive wear
Thermal shock

Advantages

Self-lubrication
Lower contact conductivity
Less contamination

Limitations

Service life depends on cycle
Requires machine geometry
Grade selection by zone

[ Critical selection variables ]

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

Operating temperatureDecisive
Machine cycle rateDecisive
Geometry and tolerancesDecisive
Surface finish required on the partRelevant
Presence of abrasives or solidsRelevant
Heat-extraction rateRelevant
Alignment and mounting stiffnessRelevant

[ Required material properties ]

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

Critical properties

Thermal shock resistance
Thermal conductivity
Wear resistance
Friction coefficient

Secondary properties

Self-lubrication
Non-wetting by molten metal
Machinability

[ Related ]

[ Frequently asked questions ]

View all FAQs

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

[ Quote ]

Need the right specification—not just material?

Tell us your application. Engineering response in under 24 hours.

Request a quote Talk to an advisor