In January 2016 we became part of the Graphite Metallizing Group, a long-established American company who specialise in the manufacture of bearings and industrial products using their patented Graphalloy® material – a unique graphite/metal alloy which is used the world over to solve the toughest of pump applications.

Originally developed over 100 years ago, Graphalloy was quickly found to possess outstanding mechanical properties. Today this material is widely used for bearings, bushings, wear rings and thrust washers, in conditions where metals and plastics fail.

Exalto will stock Graphalloy material as well as machine it in-house for European customers meaning improved service and turnaround on orders that would previously have been fulfilled out of the US. The addition of Graphalloy to our product portfolio means we have the combined expertise of both companies within one group, allowing our customers access to the best bearing solution possible.

Graphalloy is going from strength to strength in the pump industry thanks to its advanced characteristics.

• Self-Lubrication – it can handle low lubricity fluids such as light hydrocarbons, liquefied gases and hot water in which metallic bearings can wear excessively
• Dry Running – survives dry starts, flashing and loss of suction for prolonged periods without damage
• Extreme Temperatures – continues to perform in applications at cryogenic temperatures to -450°F without becoming brittle or seizing, up to 1000°F+, well above the limits of plastic, surviving thermal shock
• Wet – self-lubricating so there is no additional lubricant to wash away, it resists attack by most corrosive liquids such as Sulfuric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Chlorine Water and caustics
• Non-Galling – Survives high speed contact that would gall metal parts – it permits closer running clearances between rotating parts resulting in lower shaft vibration
• Improved Efficiencies – Allows closer running clearances which can provide higher pump efficiencies through reduced vibration
• Dimensionally Stable – Maintains dimensional stability when submerged, under load and over wide temperature ranges providing a constant running clearance