ingots

An ingot is a solid block of metal formed by pouring molten metal into a mold and allowing it to solidify. Ingots are used for convenient storage, transport, and as feedstock for downstream processing. They are typically cast into standardized shapes and weights to facilitate handling and measurement.

Manufacture and shapes: After smelting or recycling, metal is refined and alloyed as needed, then poured into ingot molds. When cooled, the ingot is removed, trimmed, and stamped with details such as metal type, purity, weight, and producer. The resulting blocks usually have flat faces and straight edges, designed for stacking and transport.

Materials and sizes: Common ingots include gold, silver, copper, aluminum, steel, and other alloys. Sizes vary from a few kilograms to several tonnes; bullion bars are often issued in standard ranges (for example, gold bullion commonly includes 1 kg and 12.5 kg form factors), while industrial ingots used as feedstock may be larger or smaller depending on process requirements.

Uses and standards: Ingots serve as raw material for rolling, extrusion, casting, and machining. In bullion markets, ingots are bought as a form of metal and store of value. Some metals have industry standards or marks established by refiners; gold and precious metals, for instance, are subject to specific market standards such as the LBMA Good Delivery requirements for large bullion bars.

Etymology and history: The term ingot derives from historical usage referring to blocks of metal cast for trade and later industrial use, reflecting the long-standing practice of producing standardized metal masses.