Quality Guidelines 07 2012
Quality Guidelines 07 2012
Quality Guidelines 07 2012
Edition: 2011
Version: 3.0
The following quality guidelines are to serve as an aid to be able to judge the
applicability of windows, entrance doors and facade elements neutrally.
Technical data and recommendations are based on the status quo at the time of
print. No legal obligation may be inferred from this.
Editor:
Platform for Windows and Window Facades
Federal Trade Chamber
Wiedner Hauptstrae 63
A-1045 Wien
CONTENTS
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6 Definitions of Labels and Certifications .........................................................23
6.1 Qualitt management system EN ISO 9001:2000 ............................................................. 23
6.2 Product quality and quality assurance ................................................................................... 23
6.2.1 CE marking (Europe) ..................................................................................................... 23
6.2.2 AUSTRIA quality seal .................................................................................................... 23
6.2.3 RAL quality mark (Germany) ......................................................................................... 23
7 Cleaning, Care and Maintenance ....................................................................24
7.1 Surfaces of UPVC elements .................................................................................................. 24
7.1.1 Stains and environmental influence............................................................................... 24
7.1.2 Designer surfaces .......................................................................................................... 24
7.2 Surface of wood elements with thick layer glaze................................................................... 24
7.2.1 Care of thick layer glaze ................................................................................................ 24
7.3 Aluminium elements and aluminium attachment shells ........................................................ 24
7.3.1 Cleaning intervals and cleaning agents ......................................................................... 24
7.3.2 Conservation.................................................................................................................. 24
7.3.3 Long term characteristics of powder coated surfaces ................................................... 24
7.4 Hardware ............................................................................................................................... 26
7.5 Seals ...................................................................................................................................... 26
7.6 Insulating glass ...................................................................................................................... 26
7.7 Building connection gap ........................................................................................................ 26
8 Condensate and Mould ....................................................................................27
9 Fact Sheets .......................................................................................................30
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1 VISUAL ASSESSMENT OF FRAME MATERIALS
Source:
DIN-EN 12608
1.1.3 Stains
Stains can originate from the production process, from the fitting process or from various
environmental influences after fitting. In the basic cleaning process, after fitting is completed, all
production stains must be removable with normal cleaning agents. Window producers offer
corresponding cleaning agents for this work. Protective foils on the UPVC profiles serve solely to
protect the profiles during transport and for the fitting process. They may not remain on the window for
a longer time period and are to be removed immediately after fitting. Foils are also to be removed if the
unfitted element is exposed to intensive sunlight.
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1.1.5 Colour
The colour of UPVC profiles may differ slightly, these colour differences usually even out through
normal weather exposure.
This colour difference may be determined with a spectral photometer. For permissible deviations see
RAL GZ 716/1.
The visual colour comparison occurs according to DIN ISO 105 A03, the deviation may not be more
than one level on the grey scale.
1.1.6 Appearance of the mitre and the position of the profiles to one another
UPVC profiles are connected in the corners by welding. The seam may, after post-processing, not
present any holes or inclusions. The colour should generally comply with that of the profiles. On the
welding seam even the smallest differences in profile geometry become visible. For profiles with a
depth of up to 80 mm the position tolerance of visible surfaces is max. 0.6 mm; for profiles larger than
80 mm it is max. 1 mm.
Source:
NORM EN 12608 Measurements and permissible deviations
Source:
BS EN 513 Unplasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and
doors. Determination of the resistance to artificial weathering
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1.2.1 Coated surfaces characteristics resp. mistakes
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1.2.2 Anodised surfaces characteristics resp. mistakes
1.2.3 Appearance of the mitre and the position of the profiles to one another
Assessment is made of the fitted, closed element.
Welded connections
The seam may, after post-processing, not present any holes or inclusions. On the welding seam small
differences in profile geometry due to the manufacturing process become visible.
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1.2.5 Filiform corrosion corrosion on uncoated profiles
This type of corrosion (blooming) occurs on points that are bare due to manufacturing reasons (drill
holes, cuts, millings). These are based on the material and cannot be avoided. However, by bi-annual
cleaning this chemical reaction may be slowed down. Areas with high salt content in the air and high
humidity (de-icing salt, proximity to the sea) are especially affected.
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1.3.1 Wood surfaces characteristics resp. mistakes
Item Visible surface Folding edge of Rabbet area Fitting area of
(inside and sash and blind blind sash
outside) frame
Sanding marks longitudinally and permissible permissible permissible
diagonally not
obvious,
(assessment from 1
metre) permissible
Longitudinal cracks may not be visible may not be visible permissible up to permissible up to
after coating, after coating, max. width of 0.5 max. width of 0.5
generally all cracks generally all cracks mm and max. mm and max.
are to be corrected are to be corrected length of 100 mm, length of 100
before coating before coating max. 1 per m side mm, max. 3 per m
length side length
Transversal cracks not permissible not permissible not permissible not permissible
Flaking (rips) not permissible Not permissible, Edge flaking < 3 Edge flaking < 10
must be corrected mm, with a max. mm, with a max.
and covered with length of 10 mm, length of 30 mm,
coating. max. 3 per m side max. 3 per m side
length permissible length permissible,
not combined
Smoothing plane cuts not permissible < 2 mm permissible, permissible permissible
(except: 3 per m sash profile
accessories like
cover ledges,
Georgian/feature
bars,...)
Wood fibres must be completely must be completely must be completely must be completely
covered by coating covered by coating covered by coating covered by coating
Glue remains not permissible, on not permissible, on permissible up to permissible
glue seams (frame glue seams (frame a surface of approx.
connection) 3, connection) 3, 0.5 cm
measuring 3 mm measuring 3 mm
each, permissible each, permissible
End grain is treated with end must be treated with open pores permissible
grain sealing, which end grain sealing, permitted
closes pores after which closes pores (must however be
the coating process after the coating (are not exposed to coated)
and protects them process direct weather)
from direct weather
exposure.
V gaps must be completely must be completely must be completely must be completely
closed closed closed closed
Pressure marks < 2 mm , max. 3 < 2 mm , invisible < 1 cm, max. 3 permissible
per m side length when sash is per m permissible
permissible closed, max 3 per m
side length
permissible
Annual rings due to the due to the due to the due to the
hygroscopic hygroscopic hygroscopic hygroscopic
characteristics of characteristics of characteristics of characteristics of
wood, relief shaped wood, relief shaped wood, relief shaped wood, relief shaped
visible annual rings visible annual rings visible annual rings visible annual rings
cannot be avoided cannot be avoided cannot be avoided cannot be avoided
and are permissible and are permissible and are permissible and are permissible
Roughness slight, non fibrous slight roughness slight roughness permissible
roughness permissible, but permissible, but
permissible, total surface may not be surface may not be
surface not more fibrous, so that a rip fibrous, so that a rip
than or damage might or damage might
7 cm (dust) ensue during ensue during
cleaning cleaning
Primer stains not permissible not permissible 100 mm long per permissible
side permissible
Inclusions of foreign < 0.25 cm < 0.5 cm < 0.5 cm permissible
bodies, assessment permissible permissible permissible
distance 0.4 m
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Item Visible surface Folding edge of Rabbet area Fitting area of
(inside and sash and blind blind sash
outside) frame
Insect eating marks not permissible not permissible not permissible up to 2 mm
permissible, 3 per m
Resin in small amounts in small amounts in small amounts permissible
permissible, in permissible, in permissible, in
droplets droplets droplets
Repair with mini two or more mini two or more mini max. three mini Permissible
spots spots next to each spots next to each spots next to each
other not other not other or max. one
permissible, one permissible, one row of spots (3) per
spot per side spot per side 1.5 m side length
permissible permissible
Alkaline remains from plaster, lime, cement, etc. harms the water soluble glaze and the timber
material, therefore irreparable marks may occur.
Therefore timber surfaces must be protected in the construction phase.
Source:
Guideline for visual assessment of finished surfaces of wood windows and French doors (version
09/2000)
NORM B 3803 Protection of timber used in buildings Coatings of dimensionally stable wooden
outdoor building components by wood working industries (version 2006-05-01)
1.3.2 Colour
The material timber can have different colours depending on the wood's contents, which, in turn, may
be seen in the coating. These colour differences do not represent defects.
Furthermore the colour changes after fitting due to UV irradiation. In cases where small differences
were visible at the time of delivery, these changes usually result in adaptation of the colour between
the profiles.
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2 QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF INSULATING GLASS
First the insulating glass pane is divided in a folding area F, a side area R and a main area H,
according to image 1. Different demands apply to each of those zones: the highest demands apply to
the main area H, the lowest to the side area R. Then, according to table 1 it is assessed which
characteristics are permissible and which not. (Image 1)
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2.1.1 Glass characteristics
Generally, when testing for faults, the view through the pane, i.e. the appearance of the background is
important, and not the appearance of the pane itself. Here the noted faults may not be particularly
pronounced.
Assessment of the glazing units according to table 1 is made at a distance of approx. 1 m to the
observed surface, at an observation angle that corresponds to generally usual room usage. The test is
processed under diffuse daylight (e.g. with overcast sky) without direct sunlight or artificial light.
(Table 2)
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In the visible area of the spacer and the side area in insulating glass on the spacer frame, marks due
to the production process as well as minor dry material remains may be present.
Within one length of the spacer frame of 5 mm a maximum of two divisions outside the corner area per
spacer frame are due to the production process and therefore permissible.
2.1.6 Wettability
On wet glass surfaces, due to dew water, rain or cleaning water, differing wettability may be
perceived. This occurrence may exist e.g. due to imprints of rollers, labels, vacuum suckers,
smoothing agents, etc. and does not represent a defect.
This effect usually becomes weaker with ongoing use.
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2.1.7 Visual appearance of toughened glass (ESG) and partly pre-stressed glass (TVG)
When producing heat treated glass (ESG or TVG) different stress phenomena occur, so called
anisotropies. These become visible under certain light angles as dark rings and stripes.
This is an unavoidable, production related, physical effect and does not represent a reason for
complaints.
Source:
NORM B 3738 Glass in building Insulating glass Requirements
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3 INSTALLATION OF SUN PROTECTION ELEMENTS AT THE
WINDOW
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3.3 Intrinsic noise
Environmental influences (e.g. wind) can cause rattling sounds due to the necessary clearance
between the guide rails and slats.
The operation of the element (up or down) can cause chatter noises. Elements with a motor drive may
additionally cause a slight humming noise due to the engine.
Shutter box sticks out of the facade Shutter box in the soffit
(top seal required) (no additional water protection necessary)
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3.6 Installation position using plaster and thermal insulation composite systems (TICS)
3.7 Installation
The mounting of the cap box needs to be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and must
meet static requirements.
The window, which must have sufficient static stiffness, is fixed according to its size at the bottom of
the box and then sealed.
For subsequent mounting of sun and insect protection, the carrying capacity of the substructure is to
be verified with regard to the fixing.
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4 PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPONENTS WHEN
INSTALLED
The load class is specified by the wind action depending on the geographical location, the local wind
effects, the shape and height of the building as well as the installation situation.
From these factors results the required air permeability class according to NORM B 5300 (according
to NORM EN 12207).
The EN 12207 classifies the air permeability of windows into 4 classes, on the one hand related to the
total area of the element, on the other hand to the joint length.
High-quality windows from brand manufacturers usually have an air tightness class of 3 or 4.
A practical example:
A double French door with the dimensions of 2 x 2.4 m has a total area of 4.8 m and a joint length of
10.72 m.
If this door meets the (highest) class 4 according to EN 12207, then at 50 Pa pressure difference (e.g.
with blower door test) an air permeability of 9 [m/h] related to the total area is permissible, and of 5
[m/h] related to the joint length.
It is irrelevant whether the air passes evenly through the entire window or concentrates on a few
places or even just on one place.
In practice, though, the air mostly passes only through few places or even only through one place
(depending on the design). However, this does not automatically mean that the corresponding window
is not sufficiently tight. Such places include the wing corners, the faceplate ends and the upper central
sealing of lifting/sliding doors
If in the prior example of a window achieving the highest tightness, the air enters only at 2 places,
each comprising 1 cm, then there is an air speed of 12 [m/s] measurable in these places.
For this reason punctual measurements of air speed (e.g. during a blower door test) are not
meaningful enough in terms of sufficient window air tightness.
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cannot be measured itself of course. Since it is often very important to also measure the usually large
front doors, one can as well use e.g. a balcony door in order to install the blower door device.
Measuring instruments determine the pressure differences produced by the fan and, indirectly, the air
quantities transported by it. The fan speed is regulated so that a certain pressure of 50 Pa builds up
between the exterior and interior. During the negative pressure measurement the fan must convey as
much air to the outside, as penetrates through existing leaks into the building. The measured air flow
is divided by the volume of the building. This value, the air change rate n50, can be now compared
with other buildings and standards.
4.3 Thermography
Thermography is a non-contact measuring technique. Thermography can detect and represent
surface temperatures (cf. punctal measurements such as e.g. thermometers), if the emission
parameters of the corresponding surface is known. (As with visible light, within the infrared range
the various colour surfaces emit different amounts of infrared radiation).
Thermography is a method for detecting thermal emissions of items, machinery, buildings, etc.
Thermography helps to get a rough idea about possible thermal losses or existing heat sources, if the
boundary conditions and results are interpreted correctly.
To that end, heat-sensitive sensors, infrared cameras and air flow tests are used, the corresponding
data is collected and evaluated, and then compared to certain standard values, usually with the help of
computers. A major factor in the thermograms is the emissivity of the object examined and the
"thermal history" of the considered component before the image is taken.
For quality assurance, thermography is also used to verify the proper thermal insulation of buildings
(building thermography). Thus, errors in the construction can be clearly detected. Particularly effective
is a simultaneous thermographic examination of the building envelope in conjunction with an air
tightness test.
Creating and evaluating a thermogram must always be done by a professional. Certification according
to EN 473 Level 2, or the implementation by an accredited testing laboratory should be a basic
condition
Thermography can not be used for determining the U-value or the air change rate, as the boundary
conditions and the measurement uncertainties are too large. E.g. the U-value estimation by means
of thermography shows uncertainties of 15% - 36%.
See fact sheet Thermography of the window component
(download at www.fensterundfassaden.at)
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4.4 Measurement of sound insulation
In general sound is a mechanical vibration in an elastic medium (gases, liquids and solids).
Audible sound generally comprises tones, sounds and noise, which can be perceived by people
e.g. different pitches in music. Some animals have a hearing range that exceeds human hearing
(infrasonic and ultrasonic).
We distinguish between the useful signal, such as music or the voice of a conversation, and the
background signal, such as noise from construction sites or traffic. Noise is unwanted sound.
Sound insulation is a measure of acoustic room separation against unwanted sound from adjacent
rooms or from the exterior.
The sound insulation of components and constructions is specified by the sound reduction index R. In
order to specify the sound insulation with a single number rating, the course of a component's sound
insulation is rated according to a standardized procedure over the sound frequency range for building
acoustics, which results in the weighted sound reduction index Rw in dB (decibels).
The airborne sound insulation of windows is also rated by the weighed sound reduction index Rw.
As windows are often meant to block street noise, an additional second value is given, the so-called
correction term Ctr. The "tr" derives from traffic. In order to evaluate the traffic noise reduction
of windows, one adds the two values Rw + Ctr in dB. The sum should not exceed 5 dB below the
required sound reduction index.
The measurement of the sound reduction index is carried out in special test facilities according to
NORM EN ISO 140-1, 140-12 as well as NORM EN 20140-3, 20140-9 and 20140-10. The
assessment is carried out according to NORM EN ISO 717-1.
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5 INSTALLATION CRITERIA
The quality of the fitting procedure or the building connection joint is the key to usability of a
construction element.
Fitting must occur under consideration of expansion, fitting and structural restraints, and the building
connection joint towards the building must be generated according to rules of the trade.
5.1 Fitting
All forces that occur on the window must be safely transmitted into the building. This occurs by
choosing type and position of the support of the fitted part and the fitting means.
The choice of fitting means must happen under consideration of the forces to be transferred, the
adjoining construction elements and the movement to occur in the connection joint.
Source:
NORM B 5320 Connection joints for windows, French doors and doors in external construction
elements Principles for design and execution of work
Source:
NORM B 5320 Connection joints for windows, French doors and doors in external construction
elements Principles for design and execution of work; 2006-09-01
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6 DEFINITIONS OF LABELS AND CERTIFICATIONS
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7 CLEANING, CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Generally all surfaces are to be cared for and maintained regularly according to manufacturer's advice.
Only then can long term usability and quality of the surface be guaranteed.
Regular cleaning and adaptation of the cleaning intervals to occurring stains reduces the
probability of stains that are difficult to remove.
In maintenance often works are carried out in places with falling hazard. Therefore before works are
carried out ensure safe working conditions.
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7.3.2 Conservation
In order to prolong cleaning intervals and in order to facilitate cleaning, conservation agents are
offered, which block aggressive atmospheric particles.
Fatty, oily or sooty substances may be removed with methylated spirit or isopropyl
alcohol (IPA). Residues from glues, silicone rubber, adhesive strips etc. may also be
removed in this way. Do not use varnish removers / solutions, scrubbing or abrasive
cleaning agents / cloths!
Do not use strong acidic or alkaline cleaners and wetting agents. We recommend
neutral cleaning agents!
Due to the danger colour hues or effects might be altered a suitability test should be
carried out.
Cleaning agents should not be warmer than 25C. Do not use high pressure or steam
pressure devices.
The surface temperature of the facade elements during a cleaning session should also
not exceed 25C.
The maximum reaction period for these cleaning agents should not be longer than one
hour. If necessary, the entire cleaning process may be repeated after at least 24
hours.
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Depending on the degree of the present weather wear, specific agents from the manufacturer are
used. The application of these agents should occur according to indications by the manufacturer!
Take note
Any transport protection foils should be removed immediately after fitting in order to
prevent impact of solar irradiation that might harm the surface.
Transport protected, wrapped, coated elements should be stored dry and far from
sunlight on site.
* abrasive = grinding
7.4 Hardware
All movable hardware parts that are visible when the element is opened must be oiled on the moving
surfaces at least once each year with a suitable oil or oil spray. After applying the lubrication all
opening functions of the element are to be executed several times to spread the oil over the sliding
surfaces. A hardware mechanism that is hard to move indicates badly adjusted hardware. In this case
the hardware should be adjusted immediately by trained personnel. The interval for hardware
readjustment depends on element size and opening type.
Hardware parts are to be tested regularly regarding their tight position and, if necessary, to be
replaced by trained personnel.
7.5 Seals
Seals should be kept smooth after cleaning of the elements with a care product as indicated by the
manufacturer, at least once each year.
The functionality and durability of seals is bad when seals are compressed too tightly or adhere to
tightly on the sealing surface. Slight squeaking of the seals when opening the window elements is
possible and does not represent a defect. With good lubrication these sounds can usually be avoided.
Source:
NORM B 5305 Windows Maintenance
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8 CONDENSATE AND MOULD
If the air is not exchanged regularly enough (insufficient airing) too high humidity may lead to wet
construction elements, reduced insulation, increase of micro-organisms and mould on construction
elements.
NORM B 8110-2 Thermal insulation in building construction Part 2: Water vapour diffusion and
protection against condensation. The document regulates the necessary air conditions for living
spaces and similarly used rooms.
These are:
max. 65 % air humidity over max. 8 hours/day
max. 55 % air humidity over the remainder of the time
Here for each C outside temperature below 0C 1 % air humidity must be subtracted. These max.
values should therefore never be exceeded, as otherwise negative effects on materials and health of
the users might ensue.
PLANNING ADVICE
The following measures are recommended for planning:
The use of highly heat insulating glass leads to a higher surface temperature of the inside
glass pane. This leads to more comfort close to the pane and also reduces the affinity of the
inside glass edge to let condensation occur.
Application of heat insulation optimized glass edge systems.
Planning of improved heating effects in recesses, outside corners, in front or large glass
surfaces, in pure glass corners, pure glass connections, etc.
If possible, fit controlled living space ventilation. This ensures adhering to a hygienically
sufficient air exchange rate (also at night).
However, the application of controlled living space ventilation requires special planning and
adjustment with regard to heat streams, condensation protection and air tightness. If this is not
sufficiently ensured, there may be comfort problems, condensate and mould around the
window.
Sufficient and continuous heating of all rooms; avoidance of short-term temperature drops,
e.g. at night, this also applies to rooms that are not used all the time or in which a lower
temperature is desired.
No stopping of air circulation towards the windows and outside walls.
No impeding of heat given off heaters by casings, long curtains or furniture.
Avoid continuous ventilation with tilted windows.
Ventilation must be active, according to needs and yet energy conscious. Some heating
energy is lost here. This, however, must be taken into account in the interest of healthy room
climate conditions and to avoid humidity damages. It is important to keep this loss as small as
possible. The best way to do this is short, intensive airing.
Windows and doors should be opened wide for a short period if possible create a draught.
After approximately five minutes, the used, moist air in the room will have been replaced by dry, fresh
air, which will be able to take in additional water vapour.
The advantage of this "forced ventilation" is that with the used air only the heat contained therein
escapes, while the heat stored in the walls and furniture remains in the room and that after the
windows have been closed again, the fresh air can be raised to the desired temperature quickly again.
This "forced ventilation" should be repeated several times a day while present in the living space.
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Larger water vapour volumes that may occur in separate rooms, e.g. while cooking or taking a shower,
should be forced outside by specific ventilation of the affected rooms. The inside doors should remain
shut during these processes, so that the water vapour cannot spread through the entire living space.
See fact sheet Condensation on windows and doors
(download at www.fensterundfassaden.at)
Source:
NORM B 8110-2 Thermal insulation in building construction Part 2: Water vapour diffusion and
protection against condensation; edition 2003-07-01
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9 FACT SHEETS
The following fact sheets can be downloaded from our homepage at www.fensterundfassaden.at:
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NOTIZEN
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NOTIZEN
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The Platform "WINDOWS AND WINDOW FACADES"
consists of companies and organisations, realising
projects in various materials together.
Actual
Gaulhofer
Hoco
Hrachowina
Internorm
IPM Schober
Josko
Pfisterer
Katzbeck
Stabil
Waku
Wicknorm
administratively.
Additionally the entire industry shall be presented more strongly in the public and
information on topics regarding several materials shall be presented.
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