When cutting steel from color-coded stock, which end should you cut from?

Cutting steel from color-coded stock should be done from the unpainted end. The color coding on steel stock serves a specific purpose, often indicating the type of material, the temperature at which it should be processed, or the protective coating it may have. By cutting from the unpainted end, you avoid disrupting the color-coded guide that helps in identifying the properties of the steel. The painted end may be treated or coated for a reason, and cutting from there could result in a compromised piece of material or lead to an incorrect assessment of the steel’s characteristics.

Therefore, selecting the unpainted end allows for a clear and direct approach to handling the material without interfering with these important identifiers. It helps ensure that the remaining stock maintains its integrity and can be easily identified for future applications.