An ingot is an oblong bar, usually of some type of metal, such as steel, aluminum, copper or gold, that is produced by pouring molten metal into a mold and allowing it to cool and solidify. The size and weight of an ingot can vary based on the intended use, with some weighing several tons and others being only a few grams. Ingot production is an important step in the manufacturing process of many metal products, as it allows for the creation of a uniform, high quality material that can be further processed into various shapes and forms.