An ingot is a material, usually metal, that is cast into a shape suitable for further processing.
Additionally non-metallic and semiconductor materials in prepared in bulk form are also sometimes referred to as ingots.
Uses回目录
Ingots require a second procedure of shaping, such as cold/hot working, cutting or milling to produce a useful final product.
Additionally ingots (of less common materials) can be used as currency, or as a currency reserve.
Types of ingots回目录
Metal
Metal heated past its melting point and cast into a bar or block using a mold. Additionally, the molds from which metal objects are cast may be called ingots.
Non-metallic ingots
Polycrystalline and single crystal ingots are made from semiconductor materials by pulling from a molten melt. Uses include the formation of photovoltaic cells by cutting the ingot into flats.
Single crystal ingots
See also: Boule (crystal)
Single crystal ingots (called boules) of materials are grown (crystal growth) using methods such as the Czochralski process or Bridgeman technique.
The boules may be either semiconductors—for the electronic industry, or non-conducting inorganic compounds for industrial and jewelry use, e.g., synthetic ruby, sapphire etc.
Single crystal ingots of metal are produced in similar fashion to that used to produce high purity semiconductor ingots, i.e. by vacuum induction refining. Single crystal ingots of engineering metals are of interest due to their very high strength due to lack of grain boudaries. The method of production is via single crystal dendrite and not via simple casting. Possible uses include turbine blades.
