Hopkinsville, KY; Superior Graphite recently completed its silicon carbide (SiC) armor tile plant, shipping the first order in July 2008. With the new capability and increased powder production capacity, Superior Graphite is able to produce their own finished armor products called PROTECT TILES^®, in addition to providing popular powders for the Advanced Ceramic Industry, called HSC^® Silicon Carbide, primarily for armor production.

Since early 2006, Superior Graphite has been working in with the Military, including the Army Research Laboratory’s Materials Directorate, and the Defense Production Act Title III program, on a collaborative research and development program. The goals were to begin developing affordable silicon carbide ballistic plates and to improve and expand their high-grade, ballistic quality SiC powder, which they have been providing to the ceramic armor industry for several years. Superior Graphite’s Hopkinsville facility produces both the Beta form of SiC, produced in unique high temperature continuous furnaces, as well as milling Alpha SiC to sub-micron size, suitable for high density sintering, required for armor tiles.

The SiC Armor Manufacturing Initiative, has enabled Superior Graphite to improve and expand their SiC powder manufacturing facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to meet increasing demand for SiC powders, and to develop new manufacturing capacity for the production of armor plates. Working closely with the Army Research Laboratory and the DPA Title III program office, Superior Graphite has significantly increased its SiC powder production and has begun manufacturing SiC pressureless sintered PROTECT TILES^®. These tiles are also under an R&D effort through a Cooperative Agreement with ARL to meet applications for lighter weight up-armoring programs for Military vehicles, such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and the fleet of ground vehicles associated with the Army’s Future Combat Systems (FCS) program.

Since its founding in 1917, Chicago based Superior Graphite has explored the physical and geographical frontiers of its markets. In the late 1970s, this pioneering approach led to the invention of a new, patented furnace technology, that revolutionized continuous high temperature production processes, resulting in unique products that have transformed many industries.

In addition to Ballistic Armor Systems, Superior Graphite’s unique thermal technologies, and advanced processes provide value in a myriad of markets including, among others: Metallurgical, Friction Materials, Lubricants, Batteries, and Drilling Materials.

Superior Graphite is actively seeking additional contracts for the supply of PROTECT TILES^® and HSC Silicon Carbide Powders.

For further information please contact Dave Laughton, Product Manager, SiC Powder and PROTECT TILES, at dlaughton@superiorgraphite.com or
630-841-0099.