UNE 1019 Standard
Introduction
RAL is a code that defines a color through a set of digits. It was defined by the Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung (German Institute for Quality Assurance and Labeling) in Germany in 1927.
The acronym RAL comes from "Reichsausschuß für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung", which translates as "State Committee for delivery times and quality assurance". Originally the RAL table consisted of 40 colors and today the number rises to 213. The codes are defined by 4 digits "Figure (mathematics)"), the first of which defines the color range.
The RAL color code is widely used in civil and military applications. RAL approved products have had a hologram since 2013 to prevent unauthorized versions. Imitations may show a different color when viewed under different light sources.
RAL color system
RAL Classic
In 1927 the German Imperial Commission for Delivery Conditions and Quality Assurance (Reichs-Ausschuß für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung) invented a collection of 40 colors under the name "RAL 840". Before then manufacturers and customers had to exchange samples to describe a color, while thereafter they would rely on numbers.
In the 1930s the numbers changed uniformly to four digits and the collection was renamed "RAL 840 R" (R for revised). With dyes constantly added to the collection, it was revised again in 1961 and changed to "RAL 840-HR", which consists of 210 colors and is in use today. In the 1960s the colors were given supplementary names to avoid confusion in the case of transposed digits.
As the "RAL 840-HR" range covered only matte colors, the 1980s saw the invention of "RAL 841-GL" for glossy surfaces, limited to 193 colors. A main criterion for the colors of the RAL Classic collection is to be of "primary interest". Therefore most of the colors in it are used in warning signs and traffic signs, or are dedicated to government agencies and public services; for example: RAL 1004 (Swiss Postal Service), RAL 1021 (Austrian Postal Service), RAL 1032 (German Postal Service).
Its range of colors is very limited in pastel or light tones, so its use is very limited and not at all recommended in decoration, interior design, architecture, etc. In this case, it is recommended to work with the , whose collection is much broader and more complete, in addition to being a color communication language and AENOR UNE Standard.