Billet

A billet is a semi-finished solid metal product that serves as a raw material for various metal processing operations. Typically, billets are square or rectangular in cross-section and can be made from different metals, such as steel, aluminium, copper, or brass. In the steel industry, billets are particularly common and are a crucial intermediate product in the production of structural components and long steel products like rods, bars, and wire.

Billets are usually produced through continuous casting, where molten metal is poured into a mold and then solidified into a long, uniform shape. Alternatively, they can be made through the rolling or extrusion of ingots. Continuous casting has largely replaced traditional ingot casting due to its efficiency, consistency, and better surface quality. The size of a billet can vary depending on its intended application, but in the case of steel billets, a common cross-sectional size is around 100 mm × 100 mm.

Once formed, billets undergo further mechanical working processes such as hot rolling, forging, or extrusion to shape them into final products. These subsequent processes not only define the shape but also enhance the mechanical properties of the metal through controlled deformation and heat treatment.

Billets play a vital role in industries such as construction, automotive, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. For example, in construction, billets are used to make rebar (reinforcing bar), which strengthens concrete structures. In the automotive industry, they are processed into axles, crankshafts, and other essential vehicle components. The versatility and strength of billet-based products make them indispensable across these fields.

One of the key advantages of billets is their uniformity in chemical composition and grain structure, which allows for predictable performance during downstream processing. This consistency ensures high-quality end products with minimal defects.