ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the machining methods used to shape manufactured carbon. Manufactured carbon varies greatly in machinability. Low-strength graphized materials can be sawed and planed with woodworking tools, but some mechanical carbons are so hard they must be ground with diamond wheels. The machining method used may affect the initial friction and wear behavior of the resulting carbon part. Most carbons can be sawed on band saws. Carbon can be drilled with high-speed twist drills or with spade drills. Holes in carbon can be reamed using conventional reaming tools. Carbon can be broached using conventional metal broaching tools with carbide cutting edges. Since carbon does not melt, soften, or flow, many familiar metalworking operations cannot be done. Many carbons used for mechanical applications contain additives such as copper, babbitt, antimony, or inorganic fluoride and phosphate salts. Dust containing these materials should be treated with the respect due any aerosol of potentially toxic materials.
