Steel ingot

**Steel Ingot**

**Introduction to Steel Ingot**

A steel ingot is one of the most important intermediate products in the steel production chain, produced after melting raw materials in steelmaking furnaces and going through the casting process. This product serves as the base material for manufacturing various steel sections such as rebar, I-beams, sheets, and pipes.

**Production Process of Steel Ingot**

In the steelmaking process, raw materials like sponge iron, scrap, or briquettes are melted in electric arc or induction furnaces. After adjusting the chemical composition and carrying out refining operations, the molten steel is cast into specific molds and solidifies into ingot form. Today, most ingots are produced through continuous casting.

**Types of Steel Ingot**

– **Billet:** Square or round cross-section with smaller dimensions, suitable for producing rebar and wire rod.
– **Bloom:** Larger cross-section compared to billets, ideal for producing I-beams and heavy sections.
– **Slab:** Flat and wide cross-section for producing various types of steel sheets.

**Application of Steel Ingot**

Steel ingot is the main raw material for rolling mills and manufacturers of steel sections. The quality and chemical composition of the ingot have a direct impact on the strength, formability, and mechanical properties of the final product.

**Factors Affecting Steel Ingot Prices**

The price of steel ingot is influenced by raw material costs (sponge iron and scrap), energy costs, exchange rates, domestic and export supply and demand, and global steel market conditions. In Iran, steel ingot transactions are primarily carried out through the Iran Mercantile Exchange.