Forging and Billets » Billet
A billet is made from a bare aluminum cylinder (extruded bar stock) and is the same material as the forgings. This
approach gives us the ability to create any geometry desired and is often used when a forging is not available for a
given application, or they can be chosen for prototyping before a new forging design is released. Although we have
many forgings, sometimes preference is still a billet, as it is a free-form process ensuring a perfectly matched result
every time. We offer several different finishes on our billets and the price is determined accordingly. Depending on
what tools can be used, how many edge breaks/rounded corners are preferred and tool step over on the program –
all determine spindle time. We are also able to place the center of gravity in “X” and “Y” at the center point of the
piston when feasible and create a balanced piston for tighter piston to cylinder head clearances. Shot peening is
always an option on a billet and when done, it makes the fully machined underside appear very similar to a piston on
a forging.
approach gives us the ability to create any geometry desired and is often used when a forging is not available for a
given application, or they can be chosen for prototyping before a new forging design is released. Although we have
many forgings, sometimes preference is still a billet, as it is a free-form process ensuring a perfectly matched result
every time. We offer several different finishes on our billets and the price is determined accordingly. Depending on
what tools can be used, how many edge breaks/rounded corners are preferred and tool step over on the program –
all determine spindle time. We are also able to place the center of gravity in “X” and “Y” at the center point of the
piston when feasible and create a balanced piston for tighter piston to cylinder head clearances. Shot peening is
always an option on a billet and when done, it makes the fully machined underside appear very similar to a piston on
a forging.