Sheffield-based WNT (UK) Ltd (www.wnt.com) has adopted the VDI3323 standard of colour coding and applied it to the company’s range of Mastertool Performance taps.

The VDI coding system is already used by WNT throughout its catalogue to identify tools suitable for specific material groups; however, adding either a single- or double-coloured ring to its taps gives users visual confirmation that they are picking the correct tap for the job.

The colours used are: blue (steel, with two rings for steel over 1,100N/mm² tensile strength); yellow (for stainless steel); red (cast iron); green (aluminium and short-chipping brass); orange (heat-resistant steel, titanium and Inconel); white (hardened steel and chilled iron); and purple (general purpose).

With this system, the user can identify the material that the tap is designed to cut and the WNT style of tap (HR, NW, HT or UNI)