Iron Billet

What is an Iron Billet (Ingot)?

An iron billet (or ingot) is one of the most important semi-finished steel products, produced by melting iron ore or steel scrap in furnaces. It is the main raw material for manufacturing various steel sections such as I-beams, rebars, angles, channels, sheets, and other steel products.

Types of Iron Billets

1. Bloom
   
   • Larger in size compared to billets.
   • Mainly used for producing I-beams, railway tracks, and heavy steel sections.

1. Billet

1. • Has a square or circular cross-section.
   • Used for producing rebars, wire rods, light angles, and channels.

1. Slab

1. • Has a large rectangular cross-section.
   • The main raw material for producing steel sheets and coils.

Methods of Producing Iron Billets

1. Blast Furnace (BF)
   
   • Iron ore is melted with coke and limestone.
   • Traditionally used in crude steel production.

1. Direct Reduction (DRI method)

1. • Iron ore is reduced using natural gas or coal, then melted.
   • Widely used in Iran due to abundant natural gas resources.

1. Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)

1. • Melting steel scrap or sponge iron using high-voltage electricity.
   • One of the most common methods in Iran.

Applications of Iron Billets

• Rebar production for construction
• I-beam and angle production for steel frameworks
• Steel sheet production for automotive and household appliances
• Steel pipe manufacturing
• Oil, gas, and petrochemical industries

Characteristics of High-Quality Billets

• High iron content
• Standard chemical composition (carbon, silicon, manganese, etc.)
• Smooth surface without cracks
• Accurate dimensions according to standards

Production in Iran

Thanks to rich iron ore reserves and natural gas resources, Iran is one of the leading billet producers in the region.