Steel Billet
A steel billet is a solid piece of steel used in steelmaking and is created directly from molten steel or iron. In the modern steelmaking process, steel billets are heated and poured into molds or dies of the desired shape. The resulting steel billet is then worked and manipulated to create the desired shape and size. Steel billets are also used to create other steel products, such as I-beams, piping, structural elements and vehicle parts.
The process of making steel billets is called a casting process, which is performed in a steel plant’s foundry. Steel billets are heated, either in a blast furnace or through a continuous caster, until they reach the desired temperature—usually around 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. After being heated, the molten steel is then placed into a billet caster and poured into an open-ended mold or die. A strong vacuum is used to hold the molten steel in the mold and to also prevent it from cooling too quickly, which can cause warping.
After the molten steel is poured, it is cooled slowly and carefully to create the desired shape and form. The cooling process is crucial because if done too quickly, it can create imperfections in the billet. As the billet cools, scrapers are often used to cut away the areas that may be sticking out of the molds. This is done to ensure the billet is being formed with the desired shape and size.
Once the steel billet is fully cooled, it is then prepared for further manipulation or finishing. This process can involve stretching or rolling the billet, heating it for added durability and welding it for powerful joints. Once finished, steel billets are typically cut down into smaller sections, which are then sold to individuals or companies that need the final product.
Though steel billets are used to make a multitude of products today, their origin dates back thousands of years. During Iron Age Europe, steel craftsmen would first heat and then hammer iron ore until it became a desired shape. This process was eventually improved upon in later years as technology and methods grew. The steel billet has since become an important and useful commodity that is used in many industries around the world.
