When it comes to hardened and tempered steel strips, color isn’t just cosmetic—it tells a story about the material’s heat treatment and performance characteristics.
For manufacturers working with springs, blades, saws, or precision parts, knowing the difference between blue and yellow tempered steel strips can save you time, reduce production issues, and even extend product life. Let’s break it down in a practical way.
What Does the Color Actually Mean?
The blue or yellow surface is the result of controlled oxidation during the final stage of heat treatment. As the steel is tempered, it’s exposed to different temperatures, and a thin oxide layer forms—creating those signature colors:
- Blue Tempered: Tempered at higher temperatures, typically around 590–650°C
- Yellow Tempered: Tempered at slightly lower temperatures, usually 430–470°C
These colors aren’t just for looks—they reflect real differences in mechanical properties.
Key Differences: Blue vs Yellow Tempered
| Feature | Blue Tempered Strip | Yellow Tempered Strip |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
| Toughness | More flexible | More brittle under impact |
| Wear Resistance | Very good | Excellent |
| Surface Finish | Oxide blue, uniform matte | Golden-yellow, clean and bright |
| Best For | Springs, saw blades, clips | Razor blades, measuring tapes, precision tools |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the wrong strip can lead to cracked parts, excessive tool wear, or wasted material. Here’s how to decide:
? Go with Blue Tempered if you need:
- Greater toughness and flexibility
- Easy forming or stamping
- A classic look for hand tools, springs, or heavy-duty parts
? Choose Yellow Tempered if you need:
- Sharp cutting edges (e.g., utility blades)
- High dimensional precision
- Clean surface for coating or printing
Still unsure? Talk to your supplier about your application—especially the working environment, stress level, and thickness requirements. An experienced mill or distributor can help you fine-tune the specs.
Common Applications
Blue Tempered Strip Steel is popular for:
- Handsaw and hacksaw blades
- Snap springs and spring washers
- Woodworking tools
- Mechanical clips and clamps
Yellow Tempered Strip Steel works best in:
- Precision measuring tapes
- Razor blades
- Metal shims
- Electrical springs
Final Thoughts
At first glance, blue and yellow tempered strips might seem similar, but their differences can directly affect performance, safety, and product durability.
That’s why we always recommend choosing based on your real-world application—not just availability or surface color.
At JiaxiaoMTC, we offer both blue and yellow tempered high carbon steel strips, custom-slitted to your exact width and thickness. Whether you’re building springs, blades, or technical components, we’re here to help you get the right strip for the job.
Let us know what you’re working on—we’ll match you with the right solution.
