Aluminum is preferred more often than other metals due to its formability. Therefore, it is used in automobile, rail systems, energy sector, aviation, architecture and space industry. It serves many purposes. Aluminum is divided into different alloy classes according to its intended use.
Aluminum is obtained from bauxite ore. There are many areas where aluminum is used. This metal is diversified by the processes applied to aluminum. Molten aluminum is cast into cylindrical semi-finished products for further processing; these are called billets.
Aluminum is often used from bicycles to airplanes, from cooling systems to kitchen utensils. For this reason, aluminum is made into various forms. It is distributed as such. A billet is aluminum prepared in log form. Aluminum billets are produced by casting and are long and cylindrical.
A billet is a small, semi-finished piece of metal that is rectangular, circular, or square in shape. It must be further processed before it becomes a finished product. It is a semi-finished casting product. Billets are sold in cut lengths or in rolls. It generally has less than 36 square inches of space. Billets are also known as bar stock.
How to Use Aluminum Billet?
Once aluminum has been cast into billets, the metal is machined and shaped. There is no limit to the area that can be used after shaping. It is used in different fields such as both the automotive and aerospace industries.
Aluminum billet is simply machined. It can be brought to the desired state in a simple way. This property allows us to use aluminum a lot. At the same time, although we can process aluminum very simply and make it very thin, it does not allow heat and taste to pass in or out. Thanks to these properties, it is also used for beverage packaging.
How Does an Aluminum Billet Take Shape?
Forming operations to aluminum metal are carried out quite easily. When it is desired to shape the aluminum billet, a die with the desired cross-section is prepared. The billet is heated and pushed through the die in a press. As a result, billet aluminum becomes the desired shape. This process is known as extrusion. There are similar methods for melting aluminum ingots.
How Are Aluminum Billets Made?
Billet production starts with melting. Primary aluminum or clean scrap is melted in a furnace, and elements such as magnesium and silicon are added to obtain the desired alloy. The molten metal is degassed and filtered to remove hydrogen and inclusions, then usually cast into long cylinders by vertical direct-chill (DC) casting. The cast billets are held at high temperature in a homogenizing furnace; this evens out the internal structure and ensures smooth flow and a good surface during extrusion. Finally the billets are cut to press length.
Billet Diameters and Lengths
The billet diameter is chosen to match the container of the extrusion press. For profile production, common diameters are roughly 5 to 8 inches (127–203 mm). Billets arrive as long cast logs and are cut, before pressing, to lengths calculated for the profile and the die.
Why Billet Quality Matters
The quality of a profile depends heavily on the quality of the billet. The right composition, cleanliness (free of inclusions) and good homogenization provide:
- Even metal flow in the press and higher production speed,
- A smooth surface free of scratches and stains,
- A uniform appearance after coating and anodizing,
- Mechanical values that meet the standards.
That is why A-Aluminyum uses first-class billets on its extrusion line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a billet and an ingot?
An ingot is cast to be remelted and reused. A billet is a cylindrical semi-finished product cast in a specific alloy and diameter for direct extrusion or forging.
How hot is a billet heated?
For 6xxx alloys the billet is usually heated to 450–500 °C before extrusion. The exact temperature depends on the alloy, the profile and the press speed.
Is it “billet” or “bilet”?
Both are used. “Billet” is the English term; in Turkish the industry also writes “bilet” or calls it “kütük”.
