Color Codes on Zinc and Zinc Alloy Ingot for Use in Hot-Dip Galvanizing of Steel

B914-13: Standard Practice for Color Codes on Zinc and Zinc Alloy Ingot for Use in Hot-Dip Galvanizing of Steel

Ensuring the correct material is used in critical industrial processes like hot-dip galvanizing is paramount for achieving desired performance and longevity of steel components. ASTM B914-13 provides an essential framework for material identification, preventing costly errors and ensuring product integrity. This standard practice is an authoritative guide for anyone involved in the sourcing and application of zinc and zinc alloy ingots.

What is B914-13?

ASTM B914-13 establishes a comprehensive system of color codes for identifying different types of zinc and zinc alloy ingots intended for use in the hot-dip galvanizing of steel. Developed by ASTM International, this standard standardizes the application and interpretation of these color codes to facilitate quick and accurate material recognition within the galvanizing industry.

Scope & Purpose

The scope of B914-13 specifically addresses the color coding of zinc, zinc alloy, and zinc master alloy ingots. Its primary purpose is to enable rapid identification of ingot bundles and large ingots, thereby preventing the inadvertent use of incorrect materials in hot-dip galvanizing baths. The standard is not intended to mandate color coding for every individual ingot, but rather for ingot bundles and jumbo ingots.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary Audience: Quality Control Inspectors, Production Managers, Metallurgists, Materials Engineers, and Galvanizing Operators.
• • Industries Affected: Steel Manufacturing, Metal Fabrication, Automotive, Construction, Infrastructure, and any industry utilizing hot-dip galvanizing processes.
• • Compliance Nature: While not always legally mandatory, adherence is highly recommended for quality assurance and is often a contractual requirement between suppliers and end-users.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically enforced through internal quality control procedures, supplier audits, and contractual agreements.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard mandates the use of specific, designated color stripes applied to ingot bundles or jumbo ingots.
• • Professionals must ensure these color stripes are applied to two adjacent sides of the ingot bundle or jumbo ingot, including the base.
• • Key provisions include the establishment of distinct color codes for various primary zinc grades, continuous galvanizing grade (CGG) alloys, master alloys, and specialty alloys.
• • The standard outlines both North American and International color code systems, with a default preference based on transaction location.
• • When multiple stripes are used for identification, they must be applied in a specific sequence from left to right as defined by the standard.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B914-13 works in conjunction with several other proven ASTM standards. Specification B6 provides foundational requirements for primary zinc. Practice B275 offers a method for codifying nonferrous metals and alloys, which aids in understanding alloy designations. Specifications like B750 (for GALFAN), B852 (for CGG Zinc Alloys), and B860 (for Zinc Master Alloys) define the specific compositions of the alloys that B914-13 helps to identify through color coding. Together, these standards provide a robust system for material control in galvanizing applications.