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Helping Customers Around the World

Through highly engineered, industry-leading technical services and solutions and indispensible graphite electrode products, we help electric arc furnace operators increase productivity and decrease costs.

Serving You Better

As a global leader in graphite electrodes, we offer centuries of collective industry experience and indispensable products to help you achieve your business objectives.

Whether you’re looking for an advanced reporting and diagnostics system, value-added expertise to improve your operation or a reliable supply of graphite electrodes, look to GrafTech’s global and multidisciplinary network of experienced professionals for the quality you demand.

CustomersGraphite Electrodes 101

Old refrigerators, used dishwashers, leftover vehicle parts. All the usable metal from manufacturing and consumption – where does it go? With the help of graphite electrodes, which conduct enough electricity to melt scrap steel, most of it gets turned into new steel.

At GrafTech, we help customers find ways to make a time-tested process as advanced and efficient as possible.

What is a Graphite Electrode

An essential component for the world's largest recycling industry.

Learn more
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1

Mill mix and
forming

We crush, screen and hot-blend premium quality calcined petroleum coke with pitch in controlled proportions. We extrude the resulting plastic mass through a forming press and cut it into specified lengths – so-called green electrodes – before cooling them in a controlled water bath.

2

Baking

We place green electrodes into large cans called saggers (pronounced say-gers) and bake them in computer-controlled furnaces at 800°C (1400°F) for up to two weeks. We then cool, clean, inspect and sample-test the baked electrodes made of amorphous carbon.

3

Pitch Impregnation

We impregnate the baked electrodes with a special pitch to give them the higher density, mechanical strength and electrical conductivity they will need to withstand severe EAF operating conditions.

4

Rebaking

A second baking cycle, or “rebake,” carbonizes the pitch from impregnation and drives off remaining volatiles. Rebake temperatures reach almost 750°C (1300°F).

5

Graphitizing

We lay the electrodes end-to-end and heat them to over 3000°C (5000°F). This restructures the carbon to its crystalline form: graphite. Then we cool, clean, inspect and sample-test the electrodes again.

6

Machining

Next, we turn an electrode’s outer diameter to its finished dimension and add threaded sockets to its ends. Along with threaded graphite connecting pins, these sockets allow our customers to join electrodes together into columns.

Shipping

Finally, we inspect, cap and palletize finished electrodes for our global customers. A prominent UCAR® Graphite Electrode logo speaks to the shipped product’s pedigree and quality.

CustomersUCAR® Graphite Electrodes

Electric arc furnaces demand graphite electrodes – the only product that can conduct the power and withstand the heat necessary to make steel. Because one size does not fit all, we offer multiple grades and sizes of graphite electrodes to meet the needs of our global customers.

UCAR® Graphite Electrodes

Helping you maximize productivity.

Download Electrodes Overview GrafTech Safety Data Sheets

A premium grade that we recommend for high-power, ultra-high-power and DC furnaces operating under severe electrical or mechanical conditions. Because of their increased current-carrying capacity, we also recommend AGX electrodes for more demanding ladle furnace applications.

Standard Lengths and Weights

U.S. Standard Lengths and Weights
Nominal Electrode Diameter
(Inches)		 Standard Lengths*
(Inches)		 Typical Weight of PRE-CET™
Electrode** (Pounds)		 Recommended Tightening Torques
(Ft. Lbs.)
10 60; 72 310; 350 300
12 72 510 450
14 72 690 600
16 72; 84; 96 900; 1010; 1220 800
18 72; 84; 96 1130; 1360; 1550 1000
20 72; 84; 96 1410; 1600; 1920 1300
22 84; 96; 110 2010; 2310; 2610 1800
24 84; 96; 110 2370; 2750; 3100 2500
26 110 3630 3300
28 110 4270 4400
30 110 4550 5900

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Metric Units Lengths and Weights
Nominal Electrode Diameter
(Millimeters)		 Standard Lengths*
(Millimeters)		 Typical Weight of PRE-CET™
Electrode** (Kilograms)		 Recommended Tightening
Torques (Nm)
250 1500; 1800 140; 160 390
300 1800 230 590
350 1800 310 830
400 1800; 2100; 2400 410; 460; 550 1075
450 1800; 2100; 2400 510; 620; 700 1375
500 1800; 2100; 2400 640; 730; 870 1770
550 2100; 2400; 2700 910; 1050; 1180 2460
600 2100; 2400; 2700 1080; 1250; 1410 3440
650 2700 1650 4520
700 2700 1940 6000
750 2700 2200 8000

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Footnotes to Tables

*Non-standard lengths may be available on a made-to-order basis.

**Indicates typical AGX™ electrodes’ combined weights of electrode and connecting pin. Weights of AGR™ electrodes are approximately 5% lower.

Typical Physical Properties

AGX Graphite Electrodes Typical Physical Properties
Property Units 250 - 400 mm Electrode Diameter 450 - 600 mm Electrode Diameter 650 - 750 mm Electrode Diameter
Bulk Density g/cm3 1.66 – 1.74 1.66 – 1.73 1.68 – 1.75
Specific Resistance µΩm 4.7 – 6.0 4.3 – 5.4 4.1 – 4.8
Flexural Strength MPa
PSI		 9.0 – 13.
1400 - 2000		 8.0 – 12.0
1200 - 1800		 9.0 – 12.5
1400 - 1900
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion X10-6/Cº 0.2 – 1.4 0.15 – 0.6 0.2 – 0.5

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

AGX Connecting Pin Typical Physical Properties
Property Units Connecting Pins
Bulk Density g/cm3 1.75 – 1.84
Specific Resistance µΩm 3.4 – 4.5
Tensile Strength MPa
PSI		 14.0 – 20.0
2100 - 2900
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion X10-6/Cº 0 – 0.3
Mean CTE
Final Temperature Degrees Celsius Added Factor
100 0
200 2.0 x 10-7
300 4.0
400 6.0
500 7.7
600 9.2
700 10.4
800 11.4
900 12.3
1000 13.2
1500 17.2
2000 21.2
2500 25.2

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Footnotes to Tables

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

*Electrodes and nipples are extruded products. Thus, these tables show only typical values which may vary from size to size, piece to piece or even within a piece.

UCAR® Graphite Electrodes and connecting nipples meet dimensional tolerances set forth by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) as required by customers worldwide. Norms are available on request.

Ash Content: UCAR® Graphite Electrodes typically have less than 0.1% impurities and do not contain elements harmful to steelmaking.

AGX™ Electrode Combinations

Electrode Diameter (Inches) IEC Designation Pin Dimensions (Inches) Threads per 25.4 mm
10 152T4N 6 x 7.5 4
10 155T3N 6.125 x 8.66 3
12 155T3N 6.125 x 8.66 3
12 177T3N 6.975 x 10.66 3
12 177T4N 7 x 8.5 4
14 177T3N 6.975 x 10.66 3
14 203T4N 8 x 10 4
14 203T4L 8 x 12 4
14 215T3N 8.5 x 12 3
16 215T3N 8.5 x 12 3
16 222T4N 8.75 x 12 4
16 222T4L 8.75 x 14 4
16 241T3N 9.5 x 13.33 3
16 241T3L 9.5 x 14 3
18 241T3N 9.5 x 13.33 3
18 241T3L 9.5 x 14 3
18 241T4L 9.5 x 14 4
18 269T4L 10.625 x 18 4
18 273T3L 10.75 x 18 3
20 269T4L 10.625 x 18 4
20 269T4N 10.625 x 14 4
20 273T3N 10.75 x 14 3
20 273T3L 10.75 x 18 3
22 298T4N 11.75 x 14 4
22 298T3N 11.75 x 14.66 3
22 298T4L 11.75 x 18 4
24 317T4N 12.5 x 14 4
24 317T4L 12.5 x 18 4
26 374T4N 14.75 x 18 4
26 374T4L 14.75 x 22 4
28 374T4N 14.75 x 18 4
28 374T4L 14.75 x 22 4
30 406T 16 x 23 4

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Metric Units
Electrode Diameter (mm) IEC Designation Pin Dimensions (mm) Threads per 25.4 mm
250 152T4N 152.40 x 190.50 4
250 155T3N 155.57 x 220.00 3
300 155T3N 155.57 x 220.00 3
300 177T3N 177.16 x 270.90 3
300 177T4N 177.80 x 215.90 4
350 177T3N 177.16 x 270.90 3
350 203T4N 203.20 x 254.00 4
350 203T4L 203.20 x 304.80 4
350 215T3N 215.90 x 304.80 3
400 215T3N 215.90 x 304.80 3
400 222T4N 222.25 x 304.80 4
400 222T4L 222.25 x 355.60 4
400 241T3N 241.30 x 338.70 3
400 241T3L 241.30 x 355.60 3
450 241T3N 241.30 x 338.70 3
450 241T3L 241.30 x 355.60 3
450 241T4L 241.30 x 355.60 4
450 269T4L 269.88 x 457.20 4
450 273T3L 273.05 x 457.20 3
500 269T4L 269.88 x 457.20 4
500 269T4N 269.88 x 355.60 4
500 273T3N 273.05 x 355.60 3
500 273T3L 273.05 x 457.20 3
550 298T4N 298.45 x 355.60 4
550 298T3N 298.45 x 372.50 3
550 298T4L 298.45 x 457.20 4
600 317T4N 317.50 x 355.60 4
600 317T4L 317.50 x 457.20 4
650 374T4N 374.65 x 457.20 4
650 374T4L 374.65 x 558.80 4
700 374T4N 374.65 x 457.20 4
700 374T4L 374.65 x 558.80 4
750 406T 406.4 x 584.2 4

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Footnotes to Tables

*Other pin sizes may be available on a made-to-order basis.

UCAR® Graphite Electrodes and connecting pins meet dimensional tolerances set forth by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) as required by customers worldwide.

Ladle furnaces have different operating parameters than melting furnaces. We recommend this premium grade for those furnaces and other low-power melting applications where standard electrodes fail to perform.

Standard lengths and weights

U.S. Standard Lengths and Weights
Nominal Electrode Diameter
(Inches)		 Standard Lengths*
(Inches)		 Typical Weight of PRE-CET™
Electrode** (Pounds)		 Recommended Tightening Torques
(Ft. Lbs.)
10 60; 72 310; 350 300
12 72 510 450
14 72 690 600
16 72; 84; 96 900; 1010; 1220 800
18 72; 84; 96 1130; 1360; 1550 1000

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Metric Units Lengths and Weights
Nominal Electrode Diameter
(Millimeters)		 Standard Lengths*
(Millimeters)		 Typical Weight of PRE-CET™
Electrode** (Kilograms)		 Recommended Tightening
Torques (Nm)
250 1500; 1800 140; 160 390
300 1800 230 590
350 1800 310 830
400 1800; 2100; 2400 410; 460; 550 1075
450 1800; 2100; 2400 510; 620; 700 1375

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Footnotes to Tables:

*Non-standard lengths may be available on a made-to-order basis.

**Indicates typical AGX™ electrodes’ combined weights of electrode and connecting pin. Weights of AGR™ electrodes are approximately 5% lower.

Your GrafTech representative is happy to discuss how each of the above combinations affect your electrode selection. Please choose the sales office nearest you.

Typical Physical Properties

LFX Graphite Electrodes Typical Physical Properties
Property Unit 250 - 350 mm Electrode Diameter 400 - 450 mm Electrode Diameter
Bulk Density t/m3 1.67 – 1.73 1.66 – 1.72
Specific Resistance µOhm.m 5.5 – 6.0 5.2 – 5.8
Flexural Strength MPa 10.0 – 13.0 9.0 – 12.0
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion cm/cm/º10-6(30 to 100ºC) 0.4 – 0.6 0.4 – 0.6
LFX Connecting Pin Typical Physical Properties
Property Unit Connecting Pins
Bulk Density t/m3 1.75 – 1.84
Specific Resistance µΩm 3.4 – 4.5
Tensile Strength MPa
PSI		 14.0 – 20.0
2100 - 2900
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion X10-6/Cº 0 – 0.3

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Mean CTE
Final Temperature Degrees Celsius Added Factor
100 0
200 2.0 x 10-7
300 4.0
400 6.0
500 7.7
600 9.2
700 10.4
800 11.4
900 12.3
1000 13.2
1500 17.2
2000 21.2
2500 25.2

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Footnotes to Tables

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

*Electrodes and nipples are extruded products. Thus, these tables show only typical values which may vary from size to size, piece to piece or even within a piece.

UCAR® Graphite Electrodes and connecting nipples meet dimensional tolerances set forth by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) as required by customers worldwide. Norms are available on request.

Ash Content: UCAR® Graphite Electrodes typically have less than 0.1% impurities and do not contain elements harmful to steelmaking.

LFX™ Electrode Combinations

Electrode Diameter (Inches) IEC Designation Pin Dimensions (Inches) Threads per 25.4 mm
10 152T4N 6 x 7.5 4
10 155T3N 6.125 x 8.66 3
12 155T3N 6.125 x 8.66 3
12 177T3N 6.975 x 10.66 3
12 177T4N 7 x 8.5 4
14 177T3N 6.975 x 10.66 3
14 203T4N 8 x 10 4
14 203T4L 8 x 12 4
14 215T3N 8.5 x 12 3
16 215T3N 215T3N 3
16 222T4N 8.75 x 12 4
16 222T4L 8.75 x 14 4
16 241T3N 9.5 x 13.33 3
16 241T3L 9.5 x 14 3
18 241T3N 9.5 x 13.33 3
18 241T3L 9.5 x 14 3
18 241T4L 9.5 x 14 4
18 269T4L 10.625 x 18 4
18 273T3L 10.75 x 18 3

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Metric Units
Electrode Diameter (mm) IEC Designation Pin Dimensions (mm) Threads per 25.4 mm
250 152T4N 152.40 x 190.50 4
250 155T3N 155.57 x 220.00 3
300 155T3N 155.57 x 220.00 3
300 177T3N 177.16 x 270.90 3
300 177T4N 177.80 x 215.90 4
350 177T3N 177.16 x 270.90 3
350 203T4N 203.20 x 254.00 4
350 203T4L 203.20 x 304.80 4
350 215T3N 215.90 x 304.80 3
400 215T3N 215.90 x 304.80 3
400 222T4N 222.25 x 304.80 4
400 222T4L 222.25 x 355.60 4
400 241T3N 241.30 x 338.70 3
400 241T3L 241.30 x 355.60 3
450 241T3N 241.30 x 338.70 3
450 241T3L 241.30 x 355.60 3
450 241T4L 241.30 x 355.60 4
450 269T4L 269.88 x 457.20 4
450 273T3L 273.05 x 457.20 3

*Typical range. Property values not guaranteed.

Footnotes to Tables

Click here for UCAR® Graphite Electrode Standard Lengths and Weights.

UCAR® Graphite Electrodes and connecting pins meet dimensional tolerances set forth by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) as required by customers worldwide.

Your GrafTech representative is happy to discuss how each of the above combinations affect your electrode selection. Please choose the sales office nearest you.

Choosing the Right Electrode Reliable Delivery

Choosing the Right Electrode

Our team can help you select the right UCAR® graphite electrode by assessing the specifics of your operating environment.

  • Burner and oxygen usage
  • Conversion costs
  • Electrode consumption goals
  • Electrode strength and oxidation
  • Fume control system
  • Furnace design
  • Power level and power input program
  • Productivity goal
  • Refractory consumption goal
  • Scrap types/charging practice
  • Slag practice
  • Steel type and grade
  • Tap-to-tap time
  • Water spray rings
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Reliable Delivery

Our global production network means you can count on a reliable graphite electrode supply. We work closely with trucking companies that understand the delivery requirements of our products, and that provide timely, reliable service at competitive prices. We identify ocean carriers with secure transportation capabilities and frequent schedules to destinations near our customers.

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CustomersArchiTech™ Furnace
Productivity System

When you need to reduce costs, increase productivity and maintain uninterrupted production flow, you need a proven system that offers powerful insights. With GrafTech’s on-demand ArchiTech™ Furnace Productivity System 5.0, you have advanced, high-speed diagnostic expertise in your shop 24/7/365.

This system is designed to help you save money and maximize performance by benchmarking your whole operation and isolating the data that matters most. With it, you can:

  • Analyze regulator response and interaction
  • Calculate short circuit reactance, line reactance and other key parameters
  • Determine electrical balance and solve arc flare problems
  • Enhance foaming slag practice
  • Evaluate and trend electrode consumption by phase
  • Optimize power input
  • Surface hidden problems with statistical based alerts
  • Receive email alerts tied to customizable performance metrics
  • Trend more than 75 furnace parameters, including those affecting electrode consumption

On-Demand Furnace Analysis and Expert Diagnostics

To Learn More, Visit the ArchiTech Portal

CustomersInnovative Services,
High-tech Solutions

Electric furnace steelmaking is a proven process. It’s also a process we’re continuing to improve. One of the largest in the industry, bringing nearly 500 years of combined expertise, our Customer Technical Service (CTS) team helps customers push the boundaries of their melting operations – increasing productivity, reducing costs and improving safety.

Backed by a solid reputation for practical solutions – and powered by the latest analytical technologies – we focus on your ability to operate more efficiently and profitably. Our multi-disciplined engineers and technicians work side-by-side with your furnace operators, making first-hand observations, recommending tailored improvements and recording results.

GrafTech Customer
Technical Service

Helping you achieve your business objectives.

Download CTS Overview
Adding Value Benchmarking Analysis Optimizing Electrode Performance Seminars and Training Equipment Consultations and Best Practices Additional Resources

Adding Value

Our wide-ranging services and solutions help you reduce costs by translating and simplifying complex data into bottom-line results. Our team helps you increase productivity by identifying hidden problems and opportunities within your operation. And they help you maintain uninterrupted production flows by eliminating waste and streamlining your process.

When you work with GrafTech, we’ll help you achieve your business objectives with the benefit of seasoned industry expertise.

  • Electrode inventory management
  • Electrode recovery assistance
  • Industry-leading safety practices
  • Multiple plant sourcing capabilities
  • Product optimization and testing capabilities
  • World-class research and development
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Benchmarking Analysis

Our advanced analytical programs encompass the total EAF environment. With thorough furnace monitoring capabilities – whether in your shop or remotely from our technical facilities – we help optimize your operating parameters, reduce process variation and increase your overall productivity.

  • Electrical consumption (kWh/ton)
  • Electrode consumption
  • Furnace regulation
  • Maximum productivity
  • Optimum power profile
  • Oxygen usage
  • Power-on time
  • Time utilization
Architech™ Furnace Productivity System

Empowering full EAF optimization.

Learn more
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Optimizing Electrode Performance

As a leading graphite electrode manufacturer, we know how to produce the best electrodes for your operations. We also know how to help you optimize their performance by helping you understand numerous factors impacting your overall operation.

  • Foaming slag
  • Furnace regulation
  • Handling practices
  • Jointing techniques
  • Oxygen and burners
  • Power programs
  • Raw materials
  • Time utilization
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Seminars and Training

Backed by state-of-the-art techniques and total quality management expertise, our team offers valuable, customized training programs and technology seminars that cover everything from furnace design to graphite electrode applications.

  • Chemical energy
  • Consumption modes
  • EAF benchmarking, productivity and raw materials
  • Electrical principles
  • Electrode handling
  • Equipment selection
  • Inventory management
  • Ladle furnace operations
  • Melt shop configurations and layouts
  • New furnace start-ups
  • Oxygen practices
  • Slag practices
  • Total energy utilization
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Equipment Consultations and Best Practices

We have close and confidential relationships with customers operating more than 2,000 electric arc furnaces in more than 50 countries. Our unique perspective, along with our extensive technical contacts throughout the steelmaking community, means we can offer an independent overview of new and emerging EAF equipment and technologies as you maximize your operations or plan new projects.

  • Comparative benchmarking analysis
  • Configuration and vetting
  • EAF developments and steelmaking trends
  • Equipment selection
  • Productivity and capability planning
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Additional Resources

Our UCAR® Electric Arc Furnace Electrode Digest is the classic melt-shop primer. With 12 in-depth chapters, the modern edition takes furnace operators and melt-shop managers to the next level by addressing the physics, chemistry and engineering aspects of EAF fundamentals.

To request your copy, contact us or talk to your local GrafTech representative.

White Papers and Thought Leadership

Respected GrafTech experts regularly share leading research and findings with industry peers.

Learn more
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CustomersSeaDrift Coke

Seadrift is one of the world’s only standalone petroleum needle coke operations. With an integrated premium supply, we help our customers push the boundaries of their electric arc furnaces without interruption.

Unfettered by the demands and constraints of typical oil refineries, Seadrift provides some of the highest-valued petroleum needle coke in the world. With a one-product focus – backed by sophisticated carbonization and microscopy technologies – we choose select feedstocks and optimize operating conditions for premium coke quality.

Safety Data Sheets

Useful information for Seadrift customers.

Learn more

Our Plant

Seadrift’s facility was designed specifically for the production of petroleum needle coke. The plant is nearly self-sufficient, requiring only feedstock supplies and fresh water to run continuously. Inside, our advanced equipment and process technologies can adapt to a wide variety of raw materials and process variables – while consistently delivering a high-quality product for customers.

Strategically located on the mid-Texas coast, we enjoy ready access to efficient shipping routes, a well-educated workforce and other Gulf refineries for feedstock supply.

Our Process

In our advanced facility, we produce petroleum needle coke through a multi-step process, which we continuously monitor, sample and test.

Coking

Decant oil feed is preheated, separated by fractionation and reheated to temperatures hot enough to induce an endothermic reaction and form green coke.

Drying

Superheated gases pass through the green coke in a drying drum. This reduces volatile matter and hardens the coke.

Removal and Calcining

High-pressure water removes or “cuts” the coke from the drum. The green coke then undergoes a calcining process: it is fed through a rotary kiln at temperatures in excess of 1100°C (2000°F), which controls coke density and burns off any remaining volatiles in the coke.

Cooling, Storage and Shipping

The newly formed needle coke is cooled and conveyed to a storage silo. The final product can then be shipped by rail, truck or barge.