Standards in metal construction

What is behind standards in metal construction? Which regulations are relevant and what should companies pay attention to in practice?

Whether steel structures, railings, machine components, or complex assemblies: metal construction is an industry in which precision, safety, and quality play a central role.

At the same time, the demands placed on manufacturers and purchasers have increased significantly in recent years. New legal requirements, international supply chains, and rising expectations for documentation and verification make standards in metal construction a decisive factor for success.

Definition and classification: What are standards?

Standards are binding or recognized technical regulations that specify requirements for products, processes, or services. They are developed by standards organizations and regularly updated to reflect technical progress.

In metal construction, standards define, among other things:

• Material properties

• Manufacturing and welding processes

• Dimensional, shape, and position tolerances

• Test methods and acceptance criteria

• Documentation and verification requirements

It is important to distinguish between standards and laws and guidelines. Standards are not usually automatically legally binding. Their binding nature often arises indirectly, for example through contracts, tenders, or references in legal regulations. In practice, standards are therefore a central component of the technical regulations that structure and safeguard metal construction.

Why standards are indispensable in metal construction

Anyone who manufactures or procures metal components cannot ignore standards. They form the basis for technical requirements, define tolerances, regulate testing procedures, and create legal certainty.

Quality and safety as a reliable foundation

Standards ensure reliability in metal construction by specifying binding minimum requirements for materials, processing, and testing procedures. In this way, they ensure that components perform their function reliably and can be used safely. Standardized requirements are indispensable, especially for load-bearing structures or safety-relevant components, in order to minimize risks and ensure consistent quality.

Common technical language for all parties involved

Standards create a uniform technical basis for design, purchasing, production, quality assurance, and external testing bodies. All parties involved follow the same guidelines, which facilitates coordination and reduces room for interpretation. This lowers the risk of misunderstandings and production errors and ensures smoother processes along the entire value chain.

Planning reliability for purchasing and production

Clear standards facilitate planning at all levels. Designs can be clearly specified, services precisely described, and offers objectively compared. For purchasing, this means fewer queries, clearer service specifications, and more reliable cost calculations. At the same time, production processes benefit from stable framework conditions and reproducible results.

Comparability of offers and suppliers

Consistently defining and applying standards creates an objective basis for comparing offers. Suppliers make offers on the same technical basis, making qualitative differences transparent. This prevents deviations that only become apparent after delivery and strengthens the negotiating position in purchasing through comprehensible decision-making criteria.

Legal certainty and reduced liability risks

Standards also fulfill a legal function. In many cases, they are considered recognized rules of technology. If they are complied with, it can be proven in the event of a dispute that the work was carried out in accordance with the current state of the art. Products that comply with standards are easier to evaluate in the event of a complaint, as deviations are measurable and documented. At the same time, the risk of being held liable for defects or damage attributable to non-standard execution is reduced.

Harmonized standards and their significance for the European market

Harmonized standards play a central role, particularly in the European Economic Area. They are developed by European standardization organizations and published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Their special status lies in what is known as the presumption of conformity: products manufactured in accordance with harmonized standards are deemed to comply with the essential requirements of the relevant EU directives. This is particularly relevant in connection with CE marking.

For companies, this means that those who apply harmonized standards can more easily demonstrate that their products comply with European safety and quality requirements. For purchasers, on the other hand, harmonized standards are an important tool for procuring legally compliant products and reducing import barriers.

Overview of national and international standards

Standards in metal construction can be roughly divided into three levels.

• National standards, such as DIN standards, apply in a specific country. They regulate technical details and are often very practical.

• European standards, marked with EN, harmonize technical requirements within the EU.

• International standards, such as ISO standards, apply worldwide and are particularly relevant in the global procurement environment.

In practice, these levels often overlap: for example, a European standard can replace or supplement a national DIN standard. For purchasing, it is crucial to know which standards are contractually agreed and in which market the product is used.

Key standards in metal construction

DIN EN 1090 and EN 1090

The EN 1090 series of standards is one of the most important regulations in metal construction. It concerns the execution of load-bearing components made of steel and aluminum. Manufacturers who place such components on the market must meet certain requirements, for example with regard to factory production control, personnel qualifications, and documentation.

EN 1090 is particularly relevant for purchasers, as it is directly related to CE marking. Anyone procuring load-bearing components should ensure that the manufacturer is certified accordingly and can provide the necessary evidence.

DIN 18360

DIN 18360 regulates metal construction work in the building industry. It is part of the German Construction Contract Procedures (VZVO) and defines, among other things, the scope of services, execution, and billing. For clients, it provides clarity about which services are to be provided in metal construction and how they are to be evaluated.

Standards in the metalworking trade

In addition to the major European standards, specific regulations for the metalworking trade also play an important role. These relate to areas such as manufacturing, assembly, and surface quality. These standards provide important guidance on quality and craftsmanship, particularly for custom designs.

Tolerances in metal construction

Tolerances specify which deviations from nominal dimensions are permissible. They are crucial for accuracy of fit, ease of assembly, and function. Unclear or missing tolerance specifications often lead to problems in practice. A clear definition of tolerances is therefore a central component of every technical specification in metal construction.

What is a declaration of conformity?

The declaration of conformity is a formal document in which the manufacturer confirms that a product complies with the relevant standards and directives. It is not a test report, but a legally binding declaration by the manufacturer.

The declaration of conformity is important evidence for purchasers. It documents that the manufacturer assumes responsibility for compliance with standards. At the same time, it should be critically examined, for example with regard to the specified standards, the scope of application, and conformity with the delivered goods.

How to apply standards correctly in the procurement process

Standards only deliver benefits if they are applied consistently and correctly. This starts right at the tender stage. Technical requirements should be clearly formulated and relevant standards specifically named.

Coordination with suppliers is equally important: standard requirements must be understood and implemented. Unclear wording or general references often lead to room for interpretation, which can cause conflicts later on.

Another key point is documentation: test reports, declarations of conformity, and certificates should be systematically requested and checked. This allows deviations to be identified and rectified at an early stage.

Typical errors in dealing with standards in metal construction

In practice, similar weaknesses repeatedly arise when dealing with standards in metal construction. References to standards in drawings or specifications are often unclear or do not clearly refer to the specific application. The mixing of national, European, and international standards also leads to misunderstandings between clients and manufacturers.

Another common mistake is relying on incomplete or untested declarations of conformity. If these documents are not carefully checked, deviations often remain undetected and only become apparent later in the project. The handling of tolerances is also particularly critical. If dimensional, shape, or position tolerances are not clearly defined, problems arise during assembly and operation that often only become apparent shortly before acceptance or during use. The result is rework, delays, and avoidable additional costs.

How Line Up supports you in standard-compliant metal procurement

Line Up accompanies companies throughout the entire procurement process. This includes support in the standard-compliant design of components, coordination with manufacturers, and the review of relevant documents.

Your advantage: Especially in international procurement, the systematic review of standards, declarations of conformity, and quality certificates ensures transparency and security. This reduces risks and helps build stable supply chains.

Standards as a success factor in metal construction

Standards are much more than formal requirements in metal construction. They are a key instrument for ensuring quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. They provide clarity, comparability, and legal certainty for purchasers, manufacturers, and clients.

Those who integrate standards into the procurement process at an early stage and apply them consistently reduce risks, avoid costs, and lay the foundation for long-term project success. In an increasingly complex market environment, standards are therefore a decisive competitive factor.

We would be happy to advise you individually: Contact us now.