Anlöpningsmönster

Anlöpningsmönster, sometimes referred to as tempering colors or oxide colors, refers to the iridescent patterns that appear on the surface of certain metals, particularly steel and titanium, when they are heated. These colors are not due to a coating but rather to the formation of a thin oxide layer on the metal's surface. The thickness of this oxide layer, which is directly related to the temperature the metal has reached, determines the color observed.

As the temperature increases, the oxide layer grows thicker, and the light reflecting off its surface interacts with the light reflecting off the metal underneath. This interference of light waves causes different wavelengths to be reinforced or canceled out, resulting in a spectrum of colors. The typical sequence of colors observed as steel is heated is a pale straw yellow, followed by brown, purple, and finally blue. These colors are often used as a visual indicator of temperature during heat-treating processes, such as tempering, where specific colors are sought to achieve desired material properties.

The specific temperatures at which these colors appear can vary slightly depending on the exact composition of the metal alloy and the ambient conditions. However, the general progression of colors remains consistent. Understanding anlöpningsmönster is important for metallurgists, blacksmiths, and anyone involved in metalworking processes where precise temperature control is crucial for achieving the intended outcome. The colors themselves are an integral part of the material's surface.