Extruded Graphite vs RP Graphite Electrode
Ceramic · grade comparison
Extruded Graphite and RP Graphite Electrode are both ceramic grades. Extruded Graphite is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 9 MPa (1.31 ksi) against 7 MPa (1.02 ksi) for RP Graphite Electrode, about 29% more. RP Graphite Electrode is lighter (1.56 g/cm³ vs 1.7 g/cm³ for Extruded Graphite) and Extruded Graphite is stiffer (10 GPa vs 9 GPa). On the shop floor, RP Graphite Electrode sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than Extruded Graphite (premium, $$$).
Extruded GraphiteChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
RP Graphite ElectrodeChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Extruded Graphite vs RP Graphite Electrode: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all ceramic grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all ceramic grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Extruded GraphiteRP Graphite Electrode
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.15 · Elongation at Break 0.25% · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 1 MPa·√m0.91 ksi·√in · Hardness, Mohs 1.5
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Porosity
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 3,650°C6,602 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 710 J/kg·K0.17 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 2.2 µm/m·K1.2 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 8×10⁻⁶ Ω·m315 µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 8×10⁻⁴ Ω·cm
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Polishability
Sintering / Firing Temperature
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 5%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every ceramic grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Extruded Graphite | RP Graphite Electrode |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Extruded Graphite vs RP Graphite Electrode — frequently asked
Is Extruded Graphite stronger than RP Graphite Electrode?
Yes. Extruded Graphite has a typical tensile strength of 9 MPa (1.31 ksi) against 7 MPa (1.02 ksi) for RP Graphite Electrode — about 29% more.
Which is cheaper, Extruded Graphite or RP Graphite Electrode?
RP Graphite Electrode is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while Extruded Graphite is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose Extruded Graphite over RP Graphite Electrode?
Pick Extruded Graphite when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat. Pick RP Graphite Electrode when weight is the constraint, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Extruded Graphite and RP Graphite Electrode side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.