Steelmakers cast molten steel into blocks called <I>ingots</I> by pouring it from a ladle into molds made of cast iron, <I>left.</I> After the steel hardens, giant tongs remove the molds. The ingots are then put into a <I>soaking pit, right,</I> where they are heated to about 2200 degrees F. (1200 degrees C).
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World Book illustrations by Oxford Illustrators Limited</P>
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