Heat tint (temper) colours on stainless steel surfaces heated in air
Introduction
The colour formed when stainless steel is heated, either in a furnace application or in the heat affected zone of welds, is dependent on several factors that are related to the oxidation resistance of the steel. The heat tint or temper colour formed is caused by the progressive thickening of the surface oxide layer and so, as temperature is increased, the colours change. Oxidation resistance of stainless steels
Similar effects can be acheived on carbon steels, needs to be above red heat.
Heat tint (temper) colours on stainless steel surfaces heated in air
Introduction
The colour formed when stainless steel is heated, either in a furnace application or in the heat affected zone of welds, is dependent on several factors that are related to the oxidation resistance of the steel. The heat tint or temper colour formed is caused by the progressive thickening of the surface oxide layer and so, as temperature is increased, the colours change. Oxidation resistance of stainless steels
Similar effects can be acheived on carbon steels, needs to be above red heat.