Gain a common basis for the specification, assessment, and documentation of welds with the Reference Colour Charts.
When welding stainless steel pipes, the purity of the purging gas is important for oxidation and corrosion resistance.
Force Technology has developed a set of Reference Colour Charts that can be used to assess heat tint colours in the inside welding zone. The charts provide a common basis for specifying, controlling, and documenting weld quality.
How to use the Reference Colour Charts for specification and quality control
The Reference Colour Charts classify heat tint levels into 8 categories (A to H) based on the observed discolouration of the weld. The classification is based on the actual results in the welding zone and can therefore be used as a basis for both specification and quality control.
The Reference Colour Charts can be used for:
- Establishing acceptance criteria in welding specifications
- Visual inspection of the completed weld
- Documentation of completed welding work
- Assessing the need for post-weld treatment such as pickling or electropolishing.
Relationship between heat tint level and corrosion resistance
Heat tint colours caused by oxidation are used as a basis for assessing the quality of the purging gas in the inside welding zone. The Reference Colour Charts provide a common basis for specifying and assessing the maximum acceptable heat tint level.
The Reference Colour Charts were developed through a research project in which results from TIG-welded specimens were compared with corrosion test results in order to investigate the relationship between purging gas purity, heat tint level, and corrosion resistance.
In a later research project, the Reference Colour Charts were used to quantify heat tint levels in laser-welded stainless steel pipes.
Purchase the Reference Colour Charts
You can purchase the Reference Colour Charts in printed form by completing the contact form. The Reference Colour Charts are available in both English and Danish.
The charts are not available digitally, because accurate colour reproduction is essential for the assessment of heat tint levels.
Order Reference Colour Charts
Gain a common basis for specification, quality control and documentation of welds with the Reference Colour Charts. Available in Danish and English.
