What is a billet?
A billet is a solid block or bar of metal — usually square or round — cut from rolled or cast stock, used as input material for forging, extrusion, or heavy machining.
Related Terms
Bar Stock
Bar stock is long, solid metal in a consistent cross-section — round, square, flat, or hex — sold by the foot or in standard lengths. It is the starting material for most machined parts.
Metal Blank
A metal blank is a flat piece of metal cut to a specific size or shape, ready to be formed, stamped, machined, or processed further. It's the starting material before a part is finished.
Preform
A preform is a roughly shaped piece of metal that has been partially worked but not yet brought to final dimensions. It is an intermediate step between raw stock and a finished part.
Near-Net Shape(NNS)
A near-net shape is a blank or preform cut or cast very close to its final dimensions, minimizing the amount of machining or material removal needed to finish the part.