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Isostatic Graphite FG-10

Grade · default condition

FG-10 = fine grain (~10–20 µm), general-purpose isostatic graphite

Use the fine-grain (~10–20 µm) general-purpose grade as the cost-effective choice for roughing EDM electrodes, continuous-casting moulds, heating elements and general hot-zone parts.

High cost $$$$

Values for the FG-10 condition

Other Isostatic Graphite tempers and conditions

Isostatic Graphite is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at Isostatic Graphite.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
FG-10DefaultThis page
Fine grain (~10–20 µm), general-purpose isostatic graphite
Use the fine-grain (~10–20 µm) general-purpose grade as the cost-effective choice for roughing EDM electrodes, continuous-casting moulds, heating elements and general hot-zone parts.—27——105 W/m·K
Halogen-purified high-purity grade
Use the halogen-purified grade (ash < 5 ppm) for monocrystalline silicon and sapphire hot zones, crucibles, epitaxy and semiconductor fixtures where metal contamination is prohibited.—27——120 W/m·K
Ultra-fine grain (~5 µm) EDM electrode grade
Pick the ultra-fine-grain (~5 µm) grade as the mainstream EDM electrode material for stable discharge, low electrode wear and moderately fine rib detail.—35——90 W/m·K
Superfine grain (≤2 µm), high-density precision grade
Choose the superfine-grain (≤2 µm) high-density grade for mirror-finish and micro EDM electrodes, optical moulds and fine structures needing 55 MPa tensile strength and the finest discharge texture.—55——70 W/m·K

What is Isostatic Graphite FG-10?

Isostatic Graphite FG-10 is Isostatic Graphite in the FG-10 grade — use the fine-grain (~10–20 µm) general-purpose grade as the cost-effective choice for roughing EDM electrodes, continuous-casting moulds, heating elements and general hot-zone parts. Isostatic Graphite FG-10 has a tensile strength of 27 MPa (3.92 ksi), weaker than 82% of ceramic grades. The elastic modulus is 11 GPa (1.6 Msi). Isostatic Graphite FG-10 has a density of 1.77 g/cm³ (0.0639 lb/in³), lighter than 91% of ceramic grades. It melts at 3,650°C (6,602 °F).

Advantages

  • Easy to machine — 90/100, better than 94% of ceramic grades
  • Lightweight — 1.77 g/cm³ (0.0639 lb/in³), better than 91% of ceramic grades
  • Conducts heat well — 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 85% of ceramic grades

Limitations

  • Low stiffness — 11 GPa (1.6 Msi), worse than 91% of ceramic grades
  • Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 88% of ceramic grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 1 MPa·√m (0.91 ksi·√in), worse than 84% of ceramic grades
  • Limited service temperature — 450°C (842 °F), worse than 77% of ceramic grades

Isostatic Graphite FG-10 properties

Typical room-temperature values for Isostatic Graphite FG-10; 15 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Isostatic Graphite reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among ceramic grades.

Physical3

Isostatic Graphite FG-10 has a density of 1.77 g/cm³ (0.0639 lb/in³), lighter than 91% of ceramic grades. It melts at 3,650°C (6,602 °F).

Density1.77 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)3,650°C6,602 °F
Porosity13%

Mechanical10

Isostatic Graphite FG-10 has a tensile strength of 27 MPa (3.92 ksi), weaker than 82% of ceramic grades. The elastic modulus is 11 GPa (1.6 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus11 GPa1.6 Msi
Shear Modulus4.6 GPa0.67 Msi
Bulk Modulus6 GPa0.88 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.17
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)27 MPa3.9 ksi
Compressive Strength80 MPa11.6 ksi
Flexural Strength45 MPa6.5 ksi
Shear Strength28 MPa4.1 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in
Hardness, Mohs1.5

Thermal5

Isostatic Graphite FG-10 is rated for continuous service to 450°C (842 °F). It conducts heat at 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 85% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 4.5 µm/m·K (2.5 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity105 W/m·K60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity710 J/kg·K0.17 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)4.5 µm/m·K2.5 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)450°C842 °F
Min Service Temperature-269°C-452 °F

Electrical2

Isostatic Graphite FG-10 has an electrical resistivity of 1.1×10⁻⁵ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity1.1×10⁻⁵ Ω·m433 µΩ·in
Volume Resistivity0 Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental2

Corrosion resistance is very good (75/100), better than 50% of ceramic grades.

Corrosion ResistanceVery good75/100
Chemical Resistance Summary—

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of Isostatic Graphite FG-10 takes about 190 MJ of energy and emits 16 kg of CO₂ — more than 62% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)190 MJ/kg81,685 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)16 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water60 L/kg7.2 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content5%

Manufacturability3

Isostatic Graphite FG-10's machinability is excellent (90/100, better than 94% of ceramic grades).

MachinabilityExcellent90/100
PolishabilityFair45/100
Sintering / Firing Temperature2,800°C5,072 °F

Common Calculations4

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated15 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated6.2 MN·m/kg
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated83.6 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated57

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with Isostatic Graphite FG-10

Is Isostatic Graphite easy to machine?

Cut dry with no coolant, using carbide or PCD tooling at high spindle speed and light feed. Explosion-rated vacuum dust extraction is required, and exit edges should be chamfered to prevent break-out.

Can Isostatic Graphite be welded?

Not weldable; assemblies are made with graphite threaded joints, graphite tenon joints, or carbon cement with a carbonising binder.

Can Isostatic Graphite be formed, bent or molded?

Shaped only by machining or wire EDM from pressed and graphitised blanks; no plastic forming is possible. Large parts must be nested to the available blank sizes.

What surface finishes work on Isostatic Graphite?

Grind to final size and ultrasonically clean to remove residual dust. For oxidation resistance apply SiC, pyrolytic-carbon or CVD coatings, or phosphate impregnation; high-purity applications require halogen-atmosphere purification.

Isostatic Graphite chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
ashstandard grade ash ≤500–1000 ppm; halogen-purified <5 ppm (HP-5N)5×10⁻⁴ – 0.10.03
Sresidual sulfur, very low after graphitization≤ 0.030.01
Femain metallic ash impurity; <1 ppm in purified grades≤ 0.010
Cfixed carbon; needle/pitch coke + pitch binder, 2800–3000 °C≥ 99.9 (balance)—

Isostatic Graphite FG-10 — frequently asked

What is Isostatic Graphite FG-10 used for?

Isostatic Graphite FG-10 is typically used for EDM electrodes, hot-press molds, semiconductor fixtures and continuous casting dies. In short: finest-grain isotropic graphite; strongest common graphite grade; 5N purity available.

What is the tensile strength of Isostatic Graphite FG-10?

Isostatic Graphite FG-10 has a typical tensile strength of 27 MPa (3.92 ksi) — weaker than 82% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is Isostatic Graphite FG-10 easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, better than 94% of ceramic grades). Cut dry with no coolant, using carbide or PCD tooling at high spindle speed and light feed. Explosion-rated vacuum dust extraction is required, and exit edges should be chamfered to prevent break-out.

Can Isostatic Graphite FG-10 be welded?

Not weldable; assemblies are made with graphite threaded joints, graphite tenon joints, or carbon cement with a carbonising binder.

What surface finishes work on Isostatic Graphite FG-10?

Grind to final size and ultrasonically clean to remove residual dust. For oxidation resistance apply SiC, pyrolytic-carbon or CVD coatings, or phosphate impregnation; high-purity applications require halogen-atmosphere purification.

Can Isostatic Graphite FG-10 be formed, bent or molded?

Shaped only by machining or wire EDM from pressed and graphitised blanks; no plastic forming is possible. Large parts must be nested to the available blank sizes.

What is the maximum service temperature of Isostatic Graphite FG-10?

Isostatic Graphite FG-10 is rated for continuous use to about 450°C (842 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. ASTM C709 — Standard Terminology Relating to Manufactured Carbon and Graphite — ASTM (2021)
  2. ASTM C651 / C695 / C749 — Flexural, Compressive and Tensile Testing of Graphite — ASTM (2020)
  3. IG-11 / IG-43 / IG-56 Isotropic Graphite Property Sheets — Toyo Tanso (2022)
  4. SIGRAFINE isostatic graphite grades (R6650, R6710) — SGL Carbon (2022)
  5. Properties and Characteristics of Graphite (EDM-3, EDM-AF5) — POCO Graphite / Entegris (2015)
  6. ASM Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 4 — Ceramics and Glasses (carbon & graphite) — ASM International (1991)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.