Companies that make cast lead products typically buy their lead in bar form. This is sometimes called pig lead when sold in larger bars of up fifty to one hundred pounds. These lead bars can be sold with ears, which are edges to the bar that allows for easy handling, or without ears, which offers a flatter end profile.
Pig Lead and Ingots
The top lead bar suppliers will offer pig lead in a variety for different alloys. This is ideal for smelting and manufacturing companies as well as for different needs for lead casting and other similar types of applications. Boat and marine industries will also use these types of bars when producing their own ballasts and weights.
Smaller and lighter lead bars are most commonly called ingots. They should come from the lead bar suppliers with the weight provided. Some companies will produce standard five-pound ingots while others may offer a variety of configurations.
These smaller sized bars are often used in ammunitions manufacturing as well as in fishing weights and other types of applications. When these smaller sizes of lead bars are sold for the surfacing of bearings, it is known as babbit. This is not pure lead, but rather a specific alloy that provides the surfacing qualities needed for the specific application.
Inventory and Shipping
Most manufacturers and fabricators working with lead will need an ongoing supply. Finding lead bar suppliers that offer reasonable freight rates with short turnaround times on delivery will be critical for most companies to consider. Look for suppliers with locations that are within a reasonable distance to keep the cost of shipping low and allow for quick delivery after placing an order.
Some suppliers are also available to work with their customers on custom alloy requirements. This can be an essential consideration for any OEM or manufacturing company moving into new production markets and applications.
