Graphite dust - waste today, semi-finished product tomorrow

Desired outcome

EDM Tools is a company that deals with CNC machining of graphite and production of electrodes for EDM processes. As a result of this process, large amounts of waste are generated in the form of graphite dust.

Initial Problem Description

Synthetic graphite is produced by cold isostatic pressing, followed by sintering, impregnation and graphitization of a mixture of coke and petroleum pitch. Isostatic pressing is a difficult and expensive process, but it guarantees a fine-grained and homogeneous structure.
We are looking for a way to reuse graphite dust and create a mass that will conduct electricity for use in heated floors or for 3D printing new graphite elements. The main challenge is a suitable binder to glue the dust together.
3D printing from graphite material should be performed using the selective laser sintering (SLS) process, in which the base material in the form of powder is melted layer by layer using a laser.
3D printing from graphite would be strong and durable and would be ideal for rapid prototyping of parts and pre-production models where strength and durability are required. 3D printed graphite provides your designs with: Smooth surface with a fine texture. The color "dark gray/black" provides an aesthetic look and feel. Individual details and wall thicknesses up to 0.8 mm. High level of accuracy and dimensional stability. Strength and durability due to the solid properties of the material.

Context

In the era of 3D printers, metal powder sintering machines, we are looking for a use for graphite dust. If a large block measuring 600x600x1200 mm is used to create small elements (after sawing, after CNC machining), then a large block can be created from small pieces of graphite or dust, after gluing, which will still conduct electricity.

Connection to cross-cutting areas

Synthetic graphite is produced by cold isostatic pressing, followed by sintering, impregnation and graphitization of a mixture of coke and petroleum pitch. Isostatic pressing is a difficult and expensive process, but it guarantees a fine-grained and homogeneous structure.
We are looking for a way to reuse graphite dust and create a mass that will conduct electricity for use in heated floors or for 3D printing new graphite elements. The main challenge is a suitable binder to glue the dust together.

Input

We don't have a scenario. We don't have time every day to look for a solution to this problem. We have talented employees who have been working with graphite for 12 years and are ready to share their knowledge and experience.
We are ready to provide any amount of graphite dust for testing.
3D printing from graphite material should be done using the selective laser sintering (SLS) process, in which the base powder material is melted layer by layer using a laser.

Expectations

We care about caring for the natural environment and if our waste is used or managed in some way, it will be a good step in this direction
I expect the team to propose how to use our graphite waste for other industrial purposes, using its properties, i.e. temperature resistance - 3000 degrees, density - 1.85 g/cm3; bending strength - 60 N/mm2; hardness - 60 Shore

Desired Team Profile

Our challenge is addressed to students of technical fields. Necessary skills: teamwork, logical thinking, connecting facts, problem solving, control and reporting, creativity
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Additional Information

We do not know if anyone is thinking about reusing such waste.
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Related Keywords

• Industrial manufacturing, Material and Transport Technologies
• Industrial Technologies
• Protecting Man and Environment