ilmintä

Ilmintä is a Finnish term that can broadly translate to "casting" or "minting." In its most literal sense, it refers to the process of creating objects by pouring molten material into a mold. This technique has been used for millennia to produce a wide variety of items, from decorative artifacts and tools to coins and medals.

The process typically involves preparing a mold, often made of sand, plaster, or metal, which contains a cavity shaped like the desired object. Once the mold is ready, a liquid material, such as metal, plastic, or even glass, is heated to its melting point and then poured or injected into the mold cavity. As the material cools and solidifies, it takes on the shape of the mold.

In the context of coinage and medals, "ilmintä" specifically refers to the minting process where blanks (pre-formed discs of metal) are struck with dies that impress the design onto both sides. This method is distinct from casting and is used for producing precision items with intricate details. The term can also be used more figuratively to describe the creation or dissemination of something, such as the "ilmintä of new ideas."