Do you CNC-machine custom parts?

Yes. We machine graphite and carbon-graphite parts from drawings or samples, with typical tolerances down to ±0.02 in depending on geometry and grade.

Why use graphite bushings instead of lubricated metal?

Graphite is self-lubricating dry, thermally stable, and compatible with vacuum or atmospheres where oils and greases fail or contaminate. Ideal for bushings, spacers, and rotary inserts.

Is graphite suitable for high-temperature sliding plates?

Yes. Graphite plates keep a low dry friction coefficient and dimensional stability where liquid lubricants degrade. Grade (vibro-molded, isostatic, etc.) is chosen by load and atmosphere.

What plate thickness and format can be produced?

It depends on the grade and the available material format: plates come from block or slab and are machined to the outline, thickness, and hole pattern on the drawing. To scope it, state the usable dimensions, the thickness, and how the plate is fixed to its seat.

How is a graphite sliding plate fixed?

Usually with counterbored screws, a machined seat, or mechanical retention of the outline. Avoid letting a screw head stand above the sliding surface, and avoid clamping against an unsupported area, because graphite works far better in compression than in bending.

Can a metal guide be replaced with a graphite plate without redesign?

Sometimes yes, when thickness and fixing match. Two points need review: that the load lands supported across the whole surface, and that the intended clearance accounts for the difference in thermal expansion between the graphite and the metal of the assembly.

Graphite sliding plates for dry sliding service

Mechanical applications

Machine sliding plates

They are used in float glass handling and general casting, allowing stable flow on a non-stick surface.

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Dry sliding surface

Also known as: Graphite guide plates · Graphite antifriction plates · Graphite slide pads · Carbon-graphite slideways

[ Technical summary ]

Graphite sliding plates form the contact surface of linear guides, slideways, and supports that must move without liquid lubrication. Graphite offers a low dry coefficient of friction and keeps its geometry at temperature, so the guide neither galls nor needs relubrication. They are cut and machined to the size of the seat, with bores and counterbores when the assembly requires them.

[ Problem it solves ]

Give a guide or slideway a stable sliding surface that does not depend on oil or grease, when temperature or process cleanliness prevents maintaining a lubricant film.

Processes

Dry sliding
Linear guides

Operating conditions

High temperature

When it is suitable

The guide must slide dry, without an oil film
The slideway works at elevated temperature
Galling or wear of the metal guide causes downtime
Lubricant contamination is not acceptable
A flat, stable surface is needed along the travel

When it may not be suitable

The plate takes impact loads or blows from the moving load
The surface is exposed to abrasive particles without protection
The mounting flexes and transmits bending stress to the plate
There is severe oxidation in air at high temperature without protection or impregnation

Process challenges

Elevated friction
Seizing / scoring
Guide wear

Advantages

Low coefficient of friction
Thermal stability
Custom cutting and machining

Limitations

Oxidation in air at high temperature without protection
Lower mechanical strength than structural metals
Requires grade selection by load and environment

[ Critical selection variables ]

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

Load and its distributionDecisive
Sliding speedDecisive
Operating temperatureDecisive
Flatness and surface finishDecisive
Counterface material and finishRelevant
Geometry and tolerancesRelevant
Atmosphere (air, inert, vacuum)Relevant

[ Required material properties ]

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

Critical properties

Friction coefficient
Wear resistance
Compressive strength
Flexural strength

Secondary properties

Self-lubrication
Thermal expansion
Dimensional stability
Machinability

[ Related ]

[ Frequently asked questions ]

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

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