Steel is an essential material in our everyday lives, found in everything from cars and buildings to everyday objects.
Graphite electrodes are utilized in electric arc furnaces for the purpose of recycling steel. Electric arc furnaces operate by melting scrap iron through an electrical arc, with graphite electrodes serving as the conductive material during this process.
The melting temperature of scrap iron in an electric furnace reaches 1,600°C, while the tip temperature of the electrode can reach as high as 3,000°C. Graphite electrodes are the only materials capable of withstanding such extreme temperatures while still efficiently conducting electricity, making them indispensable for the iron recycling process.

The process of recycling steel using electric arc furnaces requires high-quality graphite electrodes capable of withstanding demanding operations. Typically, 3 to 4 graphite bodies (GE) are connected using joints (PIN) for this purpose. The electrodes erode over time due to factors such as arc heat, oxidation resulting from Joule heat, and radiant heat. The production of 1 ton of molten steel consumes approximately 1 to 3 kg of electrodes.
To enable the continuous production of molten steel, electrodes must be replaced in a timely manner.

While erosion of graphite electrodes due to processes such as sublimation and oxidation are inevitable, failure to meet quality requires of graphite electrodes may result in more severe damage, such as cracks, detachment of electrode bodies from their joints, and a spalled (chipping ) tip.
To minimize such damages, graphite electrodes must have low thermal expansion rates, low electrical resistivity, and high mechanical strength.
Resonac Group excels in producing high-quality, large-diameter graphite electrodes and remains a leading global manufacturer in the industry with top market shares.