Steel colour codes

[Gavin Newman]

I've noticed that when I buy 1020 grade BMS it's usually painted yellow on the ends and when I get 1214 FCBMS it's painted pink for identification.

Is there some fixed standard for these colours or is it just stockist dependent? The reason I ask is because I have acquired a couple of chunks of unidentified grade steel that are painted dark red on the ends, I was hoping that might tell me what the stuff is.

[Kody]

Hi Gavin
This site should give you the info you want. http://www.atlasmetals.com.au/Product_Colour_Code_Chart.asp

There is an Aust Standard for colour codes for steels and most suppliers seem to use it. If the code is changed to suit individual factories, it becomes very messy so if the steel is colour coded to the above chart you will know what steel you have and can choose to suit the job required.

Kody

[Grahame Collins]

You are quite right to question this.

Back in the days of dinosauars when I did my apprentice ship I was helping the boss cut & punch 75 x 19mm bars for gutter grates - the fabricated sort which are made up of Mild steel flat bar and 19mm round bar.

After cutting miles of the stuff he cut one that caused the ancient cast body shears to crack right through its throat.

We are talking a meter x half meter of solid cast iron.It came about because the flat was a mis-marked hi tensile bar .We ended up with a new punch and shear from the episode.

I can't envisage any home DIY disaster like that. other than a bit of a drama drilling the stuff.A person should know what he is working with.

We were damm lucky not to have attempted a punched hole with this stuff as the hard punch material could have exploded and gone through one of us.

Grahame

[Old farmer]

Thanks for the question, Gavin, and for the chart, Kody. All very much appreciated.

[Gavin Newman]

Kody

Thanks for that info, it also explains the colours on the ends of the RHS - been buying that stuff for the last 35 years, now I know what the colours mean!

My mystery metal looks like it's a case hardening alloy steel - I'll put it away till I need it for something suitable.

Rgds - Gavin