Forging Ingots vs Billets: Which Is Right for Your Forging?
How forging ingots compare with smaller continuously cast stock for forging: size, reduction, soundness and when an ingot is the right choice.
What a forging ingot is
A forging ingot is cast in a mould as a single heavy block, from about 1.5 tonne to over 23 tonne. It carries a hot top and is refined, vacuum degassed and bottom poured for forging quality.
Where smaller stock stops
Smaller continuously cast sections are limited by the size of the caster. Above a certain cross-section and weight, a forging cannot get enough reduction from them, which is where ingots take over.
Reduction and soundness
Heavy forgings need a large starting section and enough reduction to refine the cast structure. An ingot with a proper hot top, forged with the right reduction, gives a sound heavy section.
When to choose forging ingots
Choose forging ingots for heavy shafts, rotors, large rings, forged blocks and thick-section pressure parts. Send the finished weight and the forging route and the ingot mark can be matched from the size chart.
Related guides
What Is a Forging Ingot? Types, Sizes and Uses
A plain-language guide to forging ingots: how they are made, what shapes and sizes exist, and where they are used.
Forging Reduction Ratio: How to Choose the Right Ingot Size
How forging reduction ratio relates to ingot size, and a simple method to choose the ingot for a given forged part.
How to Order Forging Ingots: What to Specify
A checklist for buying forging ingots: grade, mark, shape, hot top, approvals, testing and delivery details to include in an enquiry.