Glossary – our knowledge from A to Z

A roof form in which the roof surface corresponds to a quarter-cylinder. This is similar to a monopitch roof, but with a curved roof surface. Also known as a half-barrel-vault roof.

Abbreviation for Quality Label for Anodic Oxide Coatings on Wrought Aluminium for Architectural Purposes. This is an organisation that formulates rules for upholding and improving the quality of anodising on aluminium and its alloys for architectural applications.

An organisation that formulates rules for upholding and improving the quality of paint finishes and coatings on aluminium and its alloys for architectural applications.

EN ISO 9000:2005 defines quality as the “degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfils requirements”. It goes on to say that quality is only possible when all personnel realise the importance of their work and perform their work exactly and conscientiously, even if they are dealing with only a very small area.

Standards or approvals specify which material parameters manufacturers must monitor at which intervals. In addition, these values must be checked by independent bodies at regular intervals.

Measures designed to guarantee that a product or service achieves a predetermined standard. According to ISO 9000 the objective is not to optimise the quality of a product, but rather to maintain a given, possibly even a low, standard.

Measures intended to improve products or services of any kind. The quality of products or services must be maintained and further developed.

A document in which the quality management system of an organisation is specified.

DIN EN ISO 9000: 2000 describes this as the overriding intentions and orientation of an organisation with respect to quality as formally expressed by the organisation’s management.

Used in the glass industry for producing sheet (float) glass and pressed glass, also in the casting industry and in manual casting as a moulding sand. Low-iron (i.e. extra-clear) glass can be produced by using low-iron sands (< 0.03 % iron). Fine quartz sands with a particle size of 0.1–0.4 mm are mostly used in the smelting furnace.

A stage in the heat treatment of metals, especially steel.