What is Steel Billet?
You may have seen images of gold and silver ingots on television, in the media, or on social networks, and wondered if there are other types of ingots. The answer is yes! Gold and silver ingots are only two examples of ingots made from various materials. One of the most important and widely-used types of ingots worldwide is the steel billet. Steel billets are rectangular metal pieces, designed with a trapezoidal cross-section to facilitate transportation and removal from molds. The primary raw materials for steel billets are iron ore extracted from mines or scrap iron. After processing and melting in furnaces, the molten material is poured into molds and cooled to form solidified billets. These billets are the first product of the process and are manufactured in different types depending on their applications in various industries.
Steel billets, which are 100% pure, are the initial products of the steelmaking process. The shape and dimensions of steel billets are critical factors for shaping products in subsequent manufacturing stages. Additionally, the method of pouring molten material into molds and cooling significantly impacts the physical and mechanical properties of the billets. In this article, Raeis Trading introduces steel billets and examines their types and differences.
Types of Steel Billets and Their Differences
Steel billets, the primary product derived from iron ore, are generally produced in brick-like shapes through melting, casting, and solidification processes. Based on their dimensions and cross-sectional area, billets are classified into three main types: Billet, Bloom, and Slab, each serving specific purposes and characteristics. Below is an overview of these types:
Billet
Steel billets, also known as “shamshal,” are among the most common and essential intermediate rolled steel products. They are produced through cold rolling and casting processes and are available in square, circular, or octagonal cross-sections with widths less than 15 cm and a maximum cross-sectional area of 230 square centimeters. Billets are manufactured through direct (extrusion) or indirect (hot rolling) methods. These billets are further categorized into two types: SP3 and SP5. SP3 billets are more flexible, have higher bending and tensile properties, but lower strength compared to SP5 billets, making them more expensive. Due to their greater length compared to standard steel billets, billets are ideal for products requiring extended lengths, such as wire rods and rebar.
Bloom
Blooms, also known as “shamsheh,” are larger than billets and serve as intermediate rolled steel products. They have a minimum width of 15 cm and a cross-sectional area of at least 230 square centimeters. Like billets, blooms are produced through direct (extrusion) or indirect (hot rolling) methods. A notable feature of blooms is that they can be produced by cutting the edges of slabs in steel manufacturing. Given their larger size, blooms are used in producing structural components such as I-beams, rails, channels, and various profiles.
Slab
Slabs are rectangular intermediate steel products with lengths ranging from 4 to 12 meters, a width of 1.25 meters, and a thickness of 230 mm. They are manufactured through casting and hot rolling processes. Slabs are primarily used in the production of steel sheets and plates, with their properties determined by carbon content, softness, and tensile strength.
Summary of Differences
In summary, Billets, Blooms, and Slabs are types of steel billets distinguished mainly by their dimensions and shapes:
- Billets vs. Standard Steel Billets: Billets are longer and come in square, circular, or octagonal cross-sections, making them suitable for products like rebar and wire rods that require extended lengths.
- Blooms vs. Billets: Blooms are larger than billets and used for heavy structural components such as beams, rails, and channels.
- Slabs vs. Standard Steel Billets: Slabs have rectangular cross-sections and are used for manufacturing steel sheets and plates.
Conclusion
This article by Raeis Trading explores steel billets, one of the most essential and widely-used steel products globally. As discussed, steel billets are classified into Billets, Blooms, and Slabs, each suited for specific applications based on their dimensions and cross-sectional areas. By understanding these classifications, it becomes evident that the main distinction lies in their dimensions and shapes, with all being subsets of steel billets.
