RAL Codes

A RAL code is a reference number for RAL colours. This code, which is not specific to any type of paint or material, is a key tool in various industries. It’s used to identify and standardise colours for paints, varnishes, powder coatings, plastics, and other materials, making it an essential part of colour selection and matching processes.

The History of the RAL Color System

The RAL Color System was established in Germany in the early 1920s by the Reichs-Ausschuss für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung (RAL), which translates to the National Commission for Delivery Terms and Quality Assurance. Its primary purpose was to standardise colour references and improve communication across different industries. It was officially introduced in 1927 and became widely accepted due to its reliability and consistency. Today, the RAL Color System is used for colour matching and identification. Professionals can use RAL colour swatches or digital colour tools to compare and select the closest matches.

What is the RAL colour Match Reader?

What is the RAL colour Match Reader?

The RAL Color Match Reader colorimeter is a small, portable, and accurate colour-measuring device. Colour professionals rely on its 92% measuring accuracy through its advanced optical lens and six powerful high-CRI white LEDs illuminating the colour target.

Providing fast, precise, and reliable colour measurements for architecture, interior design, construction, and industrial design. Accurately match the correct RAL shade every time, provided the surface is flat.

This tool is cost-effective for decorators, building contractors, and designers who need to match a colour from an existing item or colour scheme. With the colour reader, you can quickly perform a RAL colour match and communicate the results to your manufacturer or supplier within seconds.

The importance of Pre-treatment before
Powder Coating

Pre-treatment creates a surface that the coating can adhere to and significantly heightens the performance of powder coating, whose purpose is to provide excellent protection to the metal being used. Pre-treatment also ensures that powder coating reduces a metal’s susceptibility to rust, corrosion, or damage, increasing its use and lifespan. 

At Dynamic Steel Coaters, we have two pre-treatment procedures: shot blasting and the seven-stage chemical treatment.

A perfect powder coating depends on a well-prepared metal surface. Pre-treatment is a prerequisite for powder coating any metallic exterior. This is because various metal surfaces are often pre-coated with dirt or oil, which prevents perfect coating. Thus, pre-treatment is crucial for ensuring long-lasting results in all cases of powder coating.

What is Shot Blasting?

Shot Blasting is a widely generic term for cleaning, smoothing, and preparing a hard surface by blasting solid particles across the surface, causing the particles to chip away the “contaminated” surface, leaving a frosted effect. The effect would be like using sandpaper that provides a more even finish and no area left uncleaned, especially in corners or small nooks and crannies.

What Are the Benefits of Shot Blasting?

Shot Blasting is a way of ridding the surface of non-eco-friendly chemicals, leaving a smooth/polished, matte surface that is environmentally safe.
The use of Shot Blasting also allows metal workers to ensure that the steel surface is free of faults or defects.

What are the most common items that are shot blasted?

Shot Blasting can be used on items that require thorough cleaning but cannot move through an acid treatment cycle or conventional cleaning techniques. More oversized items, especially of higher material thickness, can be shot blasted for optimal cleaning.

What is Plastic Coating?

Plastic Coating is a thermoplastic coating specifically designed to provide a longer-lasting, durable coating for exterior applications. The Plastic Coating is resistant to cracking, detergents, adverse weather conditions, salt spray and the most typical airborne pollutants.
The Plastic Coating product used has achieved “Test Certification” under the specifications of the “ISO 12944-6 Paints and varnishes” – Corrosions protection of steel structures by: Protective paint systems – Part 6: “Laboratory performance test”.

What Do You Need To Know About The Process?

The Plastic Coating processes are typically the same as those for standard Powder Coating. The parts proceed through a pre-treatment process suggested by the professional. After that, the items are pre-heated, and then the Plastic Coat is applied by spraying or dipping. The Plastic Coating is then cured in an oven.

Key Features and Benefits of Plastic Coating