Custom Carbon & Graphite Machining

08 May

So, What is Graphite Anyway?

Sometimes it’s a good idea to get back to basics. Here at Semco, that means asking, what is carbon? What is graphite? And while we’re on the topic of the carbon atom, what are diamonds? Aren’t those made of carbon atoms too? And if so, how can carbon exhibit polymorphism? Ok, so maybe some of these are too basic (or too advanced. Polymorphism?). But we want our customers to ask these questions and know about the material they rely on for crucial components in their own products or manufacturing set-ups. So go ahead and ask us “what is carbon?” or...

28 Apr

Machine Learning in CNC Machining

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been hot topics in the past few years. Recently, you’ve probably heard all about ChatGPT, and maybe you’re on the waitlist to try Google’s Bard. You may not have heard how deep learning in machine learning is being used in CNC machining. As we are in all aspects of graphite machining, Semco is ahead of the curve with machine learning and graphite production. Since 2018 Semco has been experimenting with forms of AI and machine learning, especially in applications relating to CNC machining. AI Defined So what exactly is AI? In simple terms, AI...

17 Apr

Graphite Ingot Molds for Precious Metal Casting

Precious metal molds, including graphite ingot molds, are in high demand lately. Gold and silver are traded in international markets as bars or ingots, and the process of precious metal casting requires a mold in which to pour the molten metal. Graphite ingot molds are the preferred choice for most gold and silver refiners in the USA. Semco is proud to be one of the leading suppliers of these precious metal molds. Why Graphite is Great for Precious Metal Molds Graphite ingot molds are made from high-density graphite, which has excellent thermal stability and can withstand high temperatures. Graphite is also...

05 Apr

Carbon and Graphite

In today's fast-paced world of manufacturing, the need for high-quality materials that can withstand extreme conditions, such as carbon and graphite, is becoming increasingly important. Graphite is an allotrope of carbon and thus shares characteristics with it. Both carbon and graphite have become essential in many industries, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. While both materials are made up of carbon, they have different properties that make them suitable for different applications. The graphene structure of graphite, in particular, gives this material qualities that are sought out by many industries. How Carbon Becomes Graphite Carbon is typically depicted as an irregular,...

28 Mar

How Synthetic Graphite is Made

Why Synthetic Graphite and not Natural Graphite? At Semco, we love natural graphite. It’s the OG, the original. There’s just one problem: there isn’t enough of it. Synthetic graphite has to step in to fill the need. As it turns out, synthetic graphite is actually preferable to natural graphite in many ways. And while Semco doesn’t make its own graphite (we have industry partners that do that), we love knowing how it’s made. Knowing synthetic graphite material inside and out means knowing what’s in it and how it’s made (extrusion, die molding,, etc). Allow the synthetic graphite experts at Semco...