Start with the tribological system
A carbon part never works alone. The shaft or counterface, fluid, load, speed, temperature and geometry determine the friction and wear regime. Share the complete system before choosing a grade.
Define lubrication conditions
Distinguish continuous liquid lubrication, intermittent wetting, vapor exposure, startup dry running and fully dry operation. These conditions can lead to very different grade choices.
Check chemistry and temperature together
Chemical compatibility should be reviewed at the actual concentration and temperature. A material that performs well at ambient conditions may behave differently at elevated temperature.
Use properties as screening tools
Density, porosity, hardness, compressive strength and thermal properties are useful for screening, but they are not a substitute for application testing and engineering judgment.
Plan validation
For critical duties, define inspection criteria, prototype trials and acceptance limits before scaling to production. This makes repeatability measurable.
Need an application-specific review?
Send your drawing and duty conditions. Dmaic Carbon can review material and machining feasibility for custom components.