Question 1

What types of graphite do you distribute?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic graphite (isostatic, molded, extruded, vibro-molded), impregnated grades, natural graphite, powders and granules, carbon felts, flexible graphite (GRAFOIL), and ESGRAF’s own graphite lubricants and coatings.

Question 2

Do you CNC-machine custom parts?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What is the typical lead time?

Accepted Answer

Catalog products: 3–7 days. Custom machined parts: 7–15 days depending on complexity, material, and finish. Special projects get a dedicated schedule.

Question 4

Do you carry high-purity isostatic graphite?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We stock industrial and high-purity isostatic graphite for EDM, precision components, molds, and vacuum or controlled-atmosphere applications.

Question 5

Do you offer anti-oxidation coatings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We supply and apply graphited coatings and paints (e.g. GRAFOTERM, GRAFICOAT) that protect graphite and refractory surfaces in furnaces and oxidizing environments, extending component life.

Question 6

Do you provide engineering support for material selection?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our specialists recommend grade, format, and process based on temperature, atmosphere, load, speed, chemical media, and your part geometry.

Question 7

Do you serve customers outside Mexico?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our core market is Mexico and the Americas; we also ship to South America and other countries depending on the project and logistics.

Question 8

Do you have a quality certification?

Accepted Answer

We operate an ISO 9001 quality management system with lot-level traceability on supplied materials and components.

Question 9

Why use graphite bushings instead of lubricated metal?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What data do you need to quote a graphite bushing?

Accepted Answer

OD × ID × length (or drawing), quantity, temperature, atmosphere, load/speed, and current or preferred grade. With that we recommend isostatic, extruded, or carbon-graphite.

Question 11

Which graphite grade is best for EDM electrodes?

Accepted Answer

Fine detail and surface finish favor fine-grain, low-porosity isostatic grades. Faster stock removal uses coarser grades. We also offer impregnated blanks when lower wear or pore sealing is required.

Question 12

When should I use a resin- or metal-impregnated blank?

Accepted Answer

Impregnation reduces open porosity, improves sealing, and can increase wear resistance. Resin is common for seals and EDM; metal impregnation adds conductivity and hardness for demanding mechanical uses.

Question 13

Is graphite suitable for high-temperature sliding plates?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Which graphite is used for crucibles and ingot molds?

Accepted Answer

Depending on metal, temperature, and thermal cycle we recommend vibro-molded, molded, or isostatic grades. We supply crucibles, ingot molds, sintering molds, and pouring spouts as catalog or custom parts.

Question 15

Do you make degassing lances and fluxing tubes?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Do you supply carbon-graphite brushes and contacts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We supply carbon-graphite materials and formats (bars, machined parts) for brushes, pantographs, electrical contacts, and grounding, graded by current, speed, and environment.

Question 17

Do you have graphite molds for exothermic welding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We make graphite molds for exothermic welding using molded or isostatic grades based on reuse cycles and joint geometry.

Question 18

What graphite material is used for mechanical seals?

Accepted Answer

Faces and rings are typically machined from carbon-graphite or impregnated graphite for sealing and controlled wear. We complement with GRAFOIL for monoblock gaskets and packing.

Question 19

Is GRAFOIL suitable for high-temperature gaskets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Flexible GRAFOIL graphite withstands high temperatures, sealing flanges and monoblocks where elastomers fail. We cut and supply sheets, rings, and custom gaskets.

Question 20

Which carbon felts do you recommend for furnaces?

Accepted Answer

Soft felt for flexible liners and conformable insulation; rigid felt for panels and stable structures. Choice depends on max temperature, atmosphere (vacuum, inert), and thermal cycle.

Question 21

How do you protect refractory channels and surfaces?

Accepted Answer

With graphited coatings such as GRAFOTERM and GRAFICOAT that reduce slag/metal sticking, provide dry lubrication, and limit oxidation on rotary kiln tracks and refractory channels.

Question 22

Is graphite suitable for blown-glass molds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Isostatic graphite provides surface finish, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability for molds, tongs, and float-glass fenders.

Question 23

Which graphite powder is used as a foundry additive?

Accepted Answer

Depending on recarburization, slag, or conductivity needs we recommend coke, synthetic, or amorphous graphite in controlled particle sizes. Grades also exist for mortars, pigmentation, and drilling muds.

Question 24

Can I use graphite as a conductive additive in paints?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Synthetic or flake powders improve electrical conductivity and, in lubricant formulations, reduce friction in plastics and coatings. Particle size and purity are matched to the resin system.

Question 25

When is a graphited lubricant better than a conventional one?

Accepted Answer

When temperatures are high, dry starts occur, dust/moisture is present, or oil may evaporate. The graphite film remains as residual solid lubrication on chains, guides, shafts, and open mechanisms.

Question 26

Which product do you recommend for conveyor chains?

Accepted Answer

LUBRICHAIN and GRAFOLUB form an adherent film with graphite microbeads for chains in ovens, paint lines, mining, and logistics. GRAFOGREASE covers grease points that need graphited grease.

Question 27

How should extrusion dies and press pistons be lubricated?

Accepted Answer

GRAFICOAT and oil-based suspensions cut metal-to-metal friction on dies; GRAFOGREASE/GRAFICOAT protect press pistons. Choice depends on temperature, cycle, and application method (brush, spray).

Question 28

Do you have lubricant for fifth wheels and heavy equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Graphited greases and oils for fifth wheels, agricultural machinery, rail, and equipment exposed to dust, load, and moisture where a solid film matters.

Question 29

Are there graphited lubricants for tortilla lines and seeds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lines such as LUBRISEED and tortilla-equipment lubricants target grain/seed handling and industrial bakery equipment; confirm food-contact compatibility for the contact point.

Question 30

What is GRAFOLUB and what is it for?

Accepted Answer

GRAFOLUB is a dual-action graphited oil (liquid + solid). It leaves a graphite-microbead film on shafts, bushings, chains, and open gears when conventional oil evaporates or degrades.

Question 31

When should I use GRAFOGREASE instead of graphited oil?

Accepted Answer

Use graphited grease at grease points, larger clearances, or wherever lubricant must stay put. Oil (GRAFOLUB) flows better in centralized systems, chains, and continuously accessed surfaces.

Question 32

Is GRAFICOAT a paint or a lubricant?

Accepted Answer

It is a dry graphited coating/lubricant: it forms an adherent film on metal and refractories for sliding, release, and protection. GRAFICOAT-X is the reinforced variant per the product sheet.

Question 33

How are ESGRAF lubricants and coatings applied?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the product: brush, roller, spray, drip, or centralized system. Shake suspensions thoroughly; clean degraded grease and dust from the surface. See each SKU’s instructions and SDS.

Question 34

In what pack sizes are your proprietary lubricants sold?

Accepted Answer

ESGRAF lubricants and coatings ship from fraction-pint packs up to 5-gallon pails (and kg equivalents). Each product sheet lists SKUs and net/gross weights.

Question 35

What is the difference between isostatic and molded graphite?

Accepted Answer

Isostatic grades offer more isotropic properties, finer grain, and higher mechanical strength for precision and EDM. Molded grades are more economical for large parts with less critical requirements.

Question 36

What is extruded graphite used for?

Accepted Answer

Bars, tubes, and profiles for electrodes, resistors, bushings, and parts where extrusion-process anisotropy is acceptable or beneficial. Strong cost/performance for long lengths.

Question 37

What tolerances can you hold on machined parts?

Accepted Answer

On typical geometries we hold down to ±0.02 mm; tighter tolerances are reviewed by grade, size, and operation. Send a drawing or sample to confirm capability.

Question 38

What powder and granule families do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic, amorphous, flake, coke, and other particle sizes for foundry, pigments, muds, plastic additives, and conductive or lubricant formulations.

Question 39

How do I request a technical quote?

Accepted Answer

From Contact or Quote, describe the application, quantities, dimensions or drawing, temperature/atmosphere, and current material. A specialist replies within one business day.

Question 40

Do you manufacture build-to-print?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From drawing or sample we make graphite/carbon parts: bushings, electrodes, crucibles, seals, molds, and special components, with dimensional control and traceability.

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