Aluminium billets are semi-finished products that serve as a starting material for various aluminium products. They are solid cylindrical bars or logs typically produced through a process called primary aluminium smelting.

Here are some key points about aluminium billets:

1. Manufacturing Process: Aluminium billets are produced by melting raw aluminium in a smelter, where impurities are removed to obtain pure aluminium. The molten aluminium is then poured into casting molds to form billets. The billets are allowed to cool and solidify before further processing.

2. Shape and Size: Aluminium billets usually have a cylindrical shape, although other shapes such as square or rectangular billets are also used in specific applications. The size of billets can vary significantly depending on the intended use. They can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter and length.

3. Alloy Composition: Aluminium billets can be made from different aluminium alloys, which are mixtures of aluminium with other elements. The choice of alloy depends on the desired properties of the final product. Common alloy series used for billets include the 1xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx series, among others.

4. Further Processing: Aluminium billets serve as feedstock for various downstream processes. They can be extruded, forged, or rolled into different shapes and forms, such as bars, rods, tubes, profiles, or sheets. The specific processing method depends on the desired end product and its application.

5. Applications: Aluminium billets are used in a wide range of industries due to the versatile nature of aluminium and its beneficial properties. The resulting products find applications in construction, automotive, aerospace, electrical, packaging, and many other sectors.

6. Recycling: Aluminium is highly recyclable, and recycled aluminium is often used in the production of billets. Recycling aluminium requires significantly less energy compared to primary production, making it an environmentally sustainable option.

Aluminium billets are an essential component of the aluminium industry, providing the raw material for the production of numerous aluminium products.