Hello there, I'm a metallurgical engineer with a passion for understanding the properties and behaviors of metals at different temperatures. When it comes to the temperature of red-hot metal, it's a fascinating subject that involves both scientific principles and practical applications in fields like metalworking and heat treatment.

The color of heated metal is an indicator of its temperature, and this is a well-established concept in the field of metallurgy. The color changes are due to the metal emitting light as it heats up, a phenomenon known as incandescence. As the metal's temperature increases, it emits light across a range of wavelengths, which our eyes perceive as different colors.

Let's take a look at the color temperature chart you've provided, which is often used for tool steels:

- 2000°F (1093°C): Bright yellow
- 1200°F (649°C): Dull red
- 1100°F (593°C): Slight red
- 1000°F (538°C): Very slight red, mostly grey
- 800°F (427°C): Dark grey

It's important to note that these color temperatures are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the type of metal, its surface condition, and the atmospheric conditions in which it is heated. The human eye is also not a perfect instrument for measuring temperature, and what appears as one color to one observer might appear slightly different to another.

The term "red hot" is typically used to describe metal that has been heated to a temperature where it glows red, which is generally above about 800°F (427°C). However, the actual temperature at which metal appears red can vary. For instance, the chart suggests that at 1200°F (649°C), the metal would appear as a dull red. This is a high temperature that is often used in processes like annealing or tempering of steel.

In practical terms, when metalworkers refer to metal as "red hot," they are usually indicating that the metal is at a temperature suitable for certain operations, such as forging or heat treatment. Forging, for example, typically occurs in the range of 1500°F to 2200°F (815°C to 1204°C), where the metal is malleable and can be shaped.

It's also worth mentioning that safety is paramount when working with red-hot metal. The intense heat can cause burns and ignite flammable materials, so proper protective equipment and safety protocols must be followed.

In conclusion, the temperature of red-hot metal can range from approximately 800°F (427°C) and above, with the exact color and temperature relationship depending on several variables. The chart provided gives a general guide, but it's always best to use calibrated temperature measurement tools for precise control in industrial applications.

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Tool Steel Color vs Temperature2000--FBright yellow1093--C1200--FDull red649--C1100--FSlight red593--C1000--FVery slight red, mostly grey538--C0800--FDark grey427--C15 more rowsread more >>