There are three main forms of graphite electrode processing: pressure vibration method, CNC automatic forming method and mechanical processing method.

(1)Pressure vibration method: pressure vibration method requires a special machine tool, electrode mother die and electrode shape is opposite. The graphite material and the forming tool are placed opposite each other during processing, leaving a certain gap. A processing fluid composed of water and abrasives is injected into it. The graphite and the forming tool are vibrated by ultrasonic waves while passing through the processing fluid. Under the action of the abrasive impact force, the graphite is stripped away in small amounts to form the desired shape. The abrasive is SiC, B4C or diamond, the rougher the abrasive is, the faster the processing speed is. The machine adopts sealing type and water curtain for processing. EDM machining suitable for mass production.

(2)Numerical control automatic forming method: Numerical control automatic forming method needs special graphite electrode forming machine, it adopts numerical control mode, with automatic tool exchange device, can accommodate more tools. In order to improve the processing environment, the processing graphite electrode is surrounded by a water curtain to prevent the dispersion of graphite dust. In addition, wet machining can be used to prevent tool wear and graphite dust from flying by water-soluble cutting fluid. The machine has a high performance filter device, can separate the cutting fluid and graphite chip, can ensure a long time continuous processing, is the ideal graphite electrode processing equipment, suitable for mold electrode processing. However, its price is high and it is not widely used in China.

(3)Mechanical processing method: Mechanical processing method is the main method used by the general mold production unit in China.

Graphite materials can be processed by turning, milling, drilling and grinding. In addition, the graphite material is easy to produce dust flying in the machining process, which brings adverse effects to the processing equipment and operators.