# Frequently asked questions Answers on technical graphite, lubricants, industrial applications, CNC machining, lead times, and support across Mexico and the Americas. Source: https://esgraf.com/en/faq ## General ### Where can I buy industrial graphite in Mexico? From ESGRAF. We stock and CNC-machine graphite in García, N.L. (Monterrey) with shipments across Mexico and the Americas. We quote technical graphite, powders, lubricants, and made-to-print parts. ### Where can I buy industrial graphite in Monterrey? At the ESGRAF plant in García, N.L. (metro area): Triángulos 140, Arco Vial, ZIP 66023. Local inventory, cutting, and CNC parts with delivery in the metro area and nationwide. ### What types of graphite do you distribute? 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. ### Does ESGRAF supply MERSEN or SGL equivalents in Mexico? Yes. We work with original and equivalent grades. We compare density, grain size, porosity, and process conditions before recommending a local substitute or continuity with the reference brand. ### What is the typical lead time? Catalog products: 3–7 days. Custom machined parts: 7–15 days depending on complexity, material, and finish. Special projects get a dedicated schedule. ### What are lead times in Nuevo León and nationwide? In the Monterrey metro area, stock material is often coordinated within days. Nationwide, catalog items typically ship in 3–7 days; CNC parts 7–15 days depending on geometry and grade. Confirm your target date with sales. ## Products and materials ### What is the difference between isostatic and isomolded graphite? In Mexican industrial practice, “isomolded” is often used as a commercial synonym for isostatic graphite (CIP). Both point to material with more uniform properties than extruded or conventional molded grades. Always confirm density, grain size, and application with the supplier. ### When should I use extruded vs isostatic graphite? Extruded graphite often fits profiles, bars, and applications where anisotropy is acceptable and cost per volume matters. Isostatic (isomolded) is chosen when you need more uniformity, fine grain, and tighter CNC tolerances (EDM, precision crucibles, critical parts). ### What graphite powder mesh do I need? It depends on the application: lubrication, foundry, release agents, or additives need different ranges. Share the process, target particle size, and whether you need natural or synthetic; we’ll point you to the right powders-and-granules family. ### Do you carry high-purity isostatic graphite? Yes. We stock industrial and high-purity isostatic graphite for EDM, precision components, molds, and vacuum or controlled-atmosphere applications. ### Do you offer anti-oxidation coatings? 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. ### What is GRAFOLUB and what is it for? 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. ### When should I use GRAFOGREASE instead of graphited oil? 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. ### Is GRAFICOAT a paint or a lubricant? It is a dry graphited coating/lubricant: it forms an adherent film on metal and refractories for sliding, release, and protection. ### How are ESGRAF lubricants and coatings applied? 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. ### In what pack sizes are your proprietary lubricants sold? 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. ### What is the difference between isostatic and molded graphite? 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. ### What is extruded graphite used for? Bars, tubes, and profiles for electrodes, resistors, bushings, and parts where extrusion-process anisotropy is acceptable or beneficial. Strong cost/performance for long lengths. ### What tolerances can you hold on machined parts? On typical geometries we hold down to ±0.02 in; tighter tolerances are reviewed by grade, size, and operation. Send a drawing or sample to confirm capability. ### What powder and granule families do you offer? Synthetic, amorphous, flake, coke, and other particle sizes for foundry, pigments, muds, plastic additives, and conductive or lubricant formulations. ## Applications ### 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. ### What data do you need to quote a graphite bushing? OD × ID × length (or drawing), quantity, temperature, atmosphere, load/speed, and current or preferred grade. With that we recommend isostatic, extruded, or carbon-graphite. ### Which graphite grade is best for EDM electrodes? 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. ### When should I use a resin- or metal-impregnated blank? 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. ### 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. ### Which graphite is used for crucibles and ingot molds? 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. ### 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. ### Do you supply carbon-graphite contacts? Yes. We supply carbon-graphite materials and formats (bars, machined parts) for pantographs, electrical contacts, and grounding, graded by current, speed, and environment. ### Do you have graphite molds for exothermic welding? Yes. We make graphite molds for exothermic welding using molded or isostatic grades based on reuse cycles and joint geometry. ### What graphite material is used for mechanical seals? 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. ### Is GRAFOIL suitable for high-temperature gaskets? Yes. Flexible GRAFOIL graphite withstands high temperatures, sealing flanges and monoblocks where elastomers fail. We cut and supply sheets, rings, and custom gaskets. ### Which carbon felts do you recommend for furnaces? 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. ### How do you protect refractory channels and surfaces? 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. ### Is graphite suitable for blown-glass molds? Yes. Isostatic graphite provides surface finish, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability for molds, tongs, and float-glass fenders. ### Which graphite powder is used as a foundry additive? 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. ### Can I use graphite as a conductive additive in paints? 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. ### When is a graphited lubricant better than a conventional one? 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. ### Which product do you recommend for conveyor chains? 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. ### How should extrusion dies and press pistons be lubricated? 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). ### Do you have lubricant for fifth wheels and heavy equipment? Yes. Graphited greases and oils for fifth wheels, agricultural machinery, rail, and equipment exposed to dust, load, and moisture where a solid film matters. ### Are there graphited lubricants for tortilla lines and seeds? 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. ## Services ### 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. ### Do you provide engineering support for material selection? Yes. Our specialists recommend grade, format, and process based on temperature, atmosphere, load, speed, chemical media, and your part geometry. ### How do I request a technical quote? From Contact or Quote, describe the application, quantities, dimensions or drawing, temperature/atmosphere, and current material. A specialist replies within one business day. ### Do you manufacture build-to-print? Yes. From drawing or sample we make graphite/carbon parts: bushings, electrodes, crucibles, seals, molds, and special components, with dimensional control and traceability. ## Company ### Do you serve customers outside Mexico? Yes. Our core market is Mexico and the Americas; we also ship to South America and other countries depending on the project and logistics. ### Do you have a quality certification? We operate an ISO 9001 quality management system with lot-level traceability on supplied materials and components. - [Catalog](https://esgraf.com/en/materials) - [Contact](https://esgraf.com/en/contact)