RAL is an acronym that stands for “Reichs-Ausschuß für Lieferbedingungen” (Reich Committee for Terms of Delivery). It was a standards organization in Germany between 1925 and 1943. RAL established color standards that are still widely used today for colors in paints, coatings, plastics, and other materials.
History of RAL
The RAL organization was founded in 1925 in Germany. At the time, Germany did not have unified standards for colors, so there were inconsistencies between suppliers. RAL was formed to establish standardized color specifications so that buyers could be confident that products from different suppliers would match.
The first RAL color standards were published in 1927. These original RAL colors were referred to as RAL 840 colors. Over the years, RAL issued multiple editions of their color standards, adding and updating colors.
Some key dates in RAL’s history:
| 1927 | First RAL color standard published with 40 colors |
| 1931 | RAL 841 color standard issued with 324 colors |
| 1948 | RAL 840 R color standard published after World War 2 |
| 1961 | Major RAL color collection issued with 1,688 colors |
| 1993 | Last printed RAL color standard with 1,625 colors |
RAL was dissolved in 1943 due to World War 2, but their color standards continued to be used. In the 1990s, RAL colors were digitized for consistency. Today there are over 10,000 colors in the RAL Design system, though the original 840 colors remain the most popular.
RAL Color Standards
RAL colors are specified by a 6-digit code prefixed with “RAL.” For example, RAL 3020 Traffic Red or RAL 9010 Pure White.
Each RAL color has precise CIELAB or CMYK values associated with it. This ensures colors can be accurately reproduced across different materials and processes. RAL colors are described as being within a tolerance of +/- 1 CIELAB unit.
Some important characteristics of RAL colors:
– Well distributed visually across color space
– Optimized for surface coatings and plastics
– Matte, glossy, fluorescent, metallic, pearl effect colors
– Solid colors, no gradients
– Precisely defined in CIELAB color space
RAL colors are categorized into groups:
| RAL 1000 | Green beige color group |
| RAL 2000 | Yellow color group |
| RAL 3000 | Red color group |
| RAL 4000 | Violet color group |
| RAL 5000 | Blue color group |
| RAL 6000 | Cyan color group |
The most widely used RAL colors are in the RAL Classic collection, derived from the original RAL 840 colors. RAL Classic has 213 basic colors for paints, plastics, and powders.
Uses of RAL Colors
Some of the main uses of RAL colors today include:
– **Paints & Coatings** – RAL is a standard for the color of solvent and water-based paints and industrial coatings. Paint can be purchased in RAL shades for consistency.
– **Plastics & Powder Coating** – RAL guides the coloration of plastics, powder coatings, and other polymers. RAL ensures consistent color across different resin types.
– **Printing Inks** – Printing inks can be formulated to match RAL colors for logo and branding applications. RAL improves consistency across different printing methods.
– **architecture & Construction** – RAL colors provide a standard for aluminum, steel, and other building products. Consistent colors for windows, paneling, roofing, etc.
– **Automotive & Machinery** – RAL is used in automotive paints, as well as colors for plastic and metal components in machinery. Provides unified colors across models.
– **Electronics** – RAL guides the color of plastic housings and components in consumer electronics, appliances, and business equipment.
– **Signage & Graphics** – RAL colors allow consistent visual identity across different types of signage and graphics in public spaces and retail environments.
So in summary, RAL provides a common color language across materials and processes in manufacturing and construction. This ensures consistency, quality, and color accuracy.
RAL Color Charts and Fans
RAL colors are presented in physical color references called RAL Color Charts or RAL Color Fans. These provide small color chips or swatches showing the precise RAL colors:
| RAL Classic | 213 color chips arranged by hue |
| RAL Effect | 420 colors with special effects |
| RAL Design | 1,625 colors for advanced design |
| RAL Test Cards | For color inspection in labs |
These RAL color references allow users to visually evaluate and specify colors. They are used for color quality control in manufacturing and visual color selection by designers.
Most RAL colors are also available in small cans of paint or powder coating for test applications. This allows colors to be evaluated on actual substrates during product development.
Digital RAL Colors
In addition to physical color references, RAL colors can be accessed digitally through online databases and software. Some ways to work with RAL colors digitally:
– RAL Digital online color database – view RAL colors on screen
– RAL software plugins – for CAD/CAM, graphic design, GIS software
– RAL mobile apps – access RAL colors on phones or tablets
– RAL digital color libraries – for inclusion in software and devices
– RAL API – interface for including RAL in custom software apps
Digital RAL colors allow incorporation into product design workflows through software. This assists with virtual prototyping and simulation. Digital RAL also aids communication in the supply chain through shared color data.
RAL Color Tolerances
RAL specifies small tolerances for color variation. This ensures accuracy across various applications and materials:
| RAL Class 1 | +/- 0.75 CIELAB units |
| RAL Class 2 | +/- 1.00 CIELAB units |
| RAL Class 3 | +/- 1.50 CIELAB units |
Tighter tolerances are specified for consistent color matching in demanding applications like automotive. Wider tolerances are allowed for applications like construction where slight variation is acceptable.
RAL color tolerances account for small variations during formulation and application while still maintaining color consistency. Tolerances apply to both solid color and effect finishes.
RAL Color Matching and Inspection
Because RAL colors have precise specifications, they can be measured for quality assurance. Visual color inspection and instrumental color measurement are key.
Some ways RAL colors are controlled:
– Visual comparison to RAL color references and standards
– Color measurement with spectrophotometers and handheld devices
– Digital analysis software for pass/fail evaluation
– On-site and lab testing procedures
By verifying RAL colors against the standard, color quality and consistency can be maintained in manufacturing. RAL compliance provides a mark of quality and reassurance to customers.
RAL Organization and Membership
RAL is administered by RAL gGmbH located near Bonn, Germany. Membership is open to companies and organizations:
– Over 400 member firms worldwide
– Members include paint/coatings, plastics, construction, electronics, auto companies
– Members have access to RAL standards, training, workshops
– RAL is internationally oriented with offices globally
Through RAL membership, companies gain access to technical resources for implementation along with marketing association. RAL also develops new standards based on industry needs and feedback.
Conclusion
In summary, RAL is an important color standard that provides consistency across materials and supply chains. The 6-digit RAL code offers a precise way to specify color for paints, plastics, powder coating, printing inks, and more. RAL continues to be relevant today through both physical and digital color specifications. Usage of RAL colors ensures accuracy, quality, and effective communication between brands, manufacturers, and suppliers.
