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UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450

Grade · default condition

UHP-450 = uHP Φ450–500 mm

Choose the Φ450–500 mm size as the most widely used option for 50–100 t arc furnaces, balancing performance against price.

Standard cost $$

Values for the UHP-450 condition

Other UHP Graphite Electrode tempers and conditions

UHP Graphite Electrode is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at UHP Graphite Electrode.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
UHP Φ650–800 mm
Pick the Φ650–800 mm size for very large AC arc furnaces and DC furnace cathodes at the highest current per electrode; it places the strictest demands on needle-coke quality.—70.15—160 W/m·K
UHP Φ550–600 mm
Use the Φ550–600 mm size on large high-power arc furnaces where maximum current per electrode is required; tensile strength (7.5 MPa) and bulk density are slightly below smaller diameters.—80.17—165 W/m·K
UHP-450DefaultThis page
UHP Φ450–500 mm
Choose the Φ450–500 mm size as the most widely used option for 50–100 t arc furnaces, balancing performance against price.—80.18—170 W/m·K
UHP Φ200–400 mm
Pick the Φ200–400 mm size for small and medium arc furnaces and LF refining ladles, where strength (9.5 MPa tensile) and electrical conductivity are the best in the diameter range.—100.2—180 W/m·K
UHP nipple / connecting pin
Choose the multiply impregnated and rebaked high-density joint stock, about twice the strength of the electrode body at 15 MPa tensile, for tapered threaded connections.—15——200 W/m·K

What is UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450?

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 is UHP Graphite Electrode in the UHP-450 grade — choose the Φ450–500 mm size as the most widely used option for 50–100 t arc furnaces, balancing performance against price. UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 has a tensile strength of 8 MPa (1.16 ksi), weaker than 93% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0.18% and the elastic modulus is 12 GPa (1.74 Msi). UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 has a density of 1.7 g/cm³ (0.0614 lb/in³), lighter than 93% of ceramic grades. It melts at 3,650°C (6,602 °F).

Advantages

  • High service temperature — 2,500°C (4,532 °F), better than 98% of ceramic grades
  • Conducts heat well — 170 W/m·K (98.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 94% of ceramic grades
  • Easy to machine — 90/100, better than 94% of ceramic grades
  • Lightweight — 1.7 g/cm³ (0.0614 lb/in³), better than 93% of ceramic grades
  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 0.18%, better than 77% of ceramic grades

Limitations

  • Low stiffness — 12 GPa (1.74 Msi), worse than 89% of ceramic grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 1 MPa·√m (0.91 ksi·√in), worse than 84% of ceramic grades

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 properties

Typical room-temperature values for UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450; 15 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are UHP Graphite Electrode reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among ceramic grades.

Physical3

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 has a density of 1.7 g/cm³ (0.0614 lb/in³), lighter than 93% of ceramic grades. It melts at 3,650°C (6,602 °F).

Density1.7 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)3,650°C6,602 °F
Porosity23%

Mechanical9

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 has a tensile strength of 8 MPa (1.16 ksi), weaker than 93% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0.18% and the elastic modulus is 12 GPa (1.74 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus12 GPa1.7 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.2
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)8 MPa1.2 ksi
Elongation at Break0.18%
Compressive Strength25 MPa3.6 ksi
Flexural Strength11 MPa1.6 ksi
Shear Strength7 MPa1 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in
Hardness, Mohs1

Thermal5

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 is rated for continuous service to 2,500°C (4,532 °F). It conducts heat at 170 W/m·K (98.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 94% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 1 µm/m·K (0.556 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity170 W/m·K98.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity710 J/kg·K0.17 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)1 µm/m·K0.56 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)2,500°C4,532 °F
Min Service Temperature-200°C-328 °F

Electrical2

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 has an electrical resistivity of 5.5×10⁻⁶ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity5.5×10⁻⁶ Ω·m217 µΩ·in
Volume Resistivity5.5×10⁻⁴ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental2

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

Corrosion ResistanceVery good75/100
Chemical Resistance Summary—

Sustainability3

Producing a kilogram of UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 takes about 130 MJ of energy and emits 6 kg of CO₂ — more than 55% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)6 kg CO₂/kg
Typical Recycled Content0%

Manufacturability2

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450's machinability is excellent (90/100, better than 94% of ceramic grades).

MachinabilityExcellent90/100
Sintering / Firing Temperature2,900°C5,252 °F

Common Calculations4

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated5 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated7.1 MN·m/kg
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated140.8 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated113

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

Working with UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450

Is UHP Graphite Electrode easy to machine?

Turns and mills very easily dry with carbide or diamond tooling. The dust is abrasive and electrically conductive, so extraction and machine protection are mandatory; tapered socket threads are cut on dedicated machines.

Can UHP Graphite Electrode be welded?

Not weldable; electrode columns are joined by tapered threaded nipples (3TPI/4TPI) tightened to the specified torque.

Can UHP Graphite Electrode be formed, bent or molded?

Needle coke and pitch are mixed and kneaded, extruded, baked, then pitch-impregnated and re-baked one to three times, followed by graphitisation at 2800–3000 °C. The finished body cannot be formed further.

What surface finishes work on UHP Graphite Electrode?

After machining to tolerance, an antioxidant coating (SiC or phosphate) can be sprayed on, or a spray-cooling ring fitted, to reduce side-wall oxidation loss.

UHP Graphite Electrode 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
ashGB/T 3079 UHP ash ≤0.3 %≤ 0.30.15
Sfrom needle coke; excess causes graphitization puffing≤ 0.060.03
volatilesvolatile matter≤ 0.20.1
Cneedle coke + coal-tar pitch binder, graphitized at 2800–3000 °C≥ 99.5 (balance)—

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 — frequently asked

What is UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 used for?

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 is typically used for EAF steelmaking electrodes, ladle furnace electrodes and high-current arc furnaces. In short: highest current-carrying electrode; lowest-resistivity graphite grade; needle-coke UHP class.

What is the tensile strength of UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450?

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 has a typical tensile strength of 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) — weaker than 93% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, better than 94% of ceramic grades). Turns and mills very easily dry with carbide or diamond tooling. The dust is abrasive and electrically conductive, so extraction and machine protection are mandatory; tapered socket threads are cut on dedicated machines.

Can UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 be welded?

Not weldable; electrode columns are joined by tapered threaded nipples (3TPI/4TPI) tightened to the specified torque.

What surface finishes work on UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450?

After machining to tolerance, an antioxidant coating (SiC or phosphate) can be sprayed on, or a spray-cooling ring fitted, to reduce side-wall oxidation loss.

Can UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 be formed, bent or molded?

Needle coke and pitch are mixed and kneaded, extruded, baked, then pitch-impregnated and re-baked one to three times, followed by graphitisation at 2800–3000 °C. The finished body cannot be formed further.

What is the maximum service temperature of UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450?

UHP Graphite Electrode UHP-450 is rated for continuous use to about 2,500°C (4,532 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. GB/T 3079 (2018)
  2. JIS R7601 — JISC (2015)
  3. ASTM C709 Standard Terminology Relating to Manufactured Carbon and Graphite — ASTM (2021)
  4. UHP graphite electrode technical data — / / GrafTech (2023)
  5. Engineered Materials Handbook — Ceramics and Glasses (graphite properties) — 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.