Quality Regulations IQC (english).pdf - GSB International

International Quality Regulations for 

Industrial Piecework Coating 

IQC 654 

Edition: November 2012 

Effective: November 02 nd , 2012 

Published by: 

IQC International 

A Quality Association operating within the GSB International e.V. 

Am Bonneshof 5 | D-40474 Düsseldorf 

Phone: 0049 (0) 211-4796-450 | Fax: 0049 (0) 211-4796-410 

Email: info@iqc-international.com | Internet: www.iqc-international.com 

Full or part publication by third parties is strictly prohibited. All copy rights including original and translated 

scripts remain exclusive to the IQC International. 

© 2012 IQC International

International Quality Regulations for Industrial Piecework Coating IQC 654 

Content 

1 Area of Application 3 

1.1 IQC Coating Classification 

5 

2 General Regulations 3 

2.1 General 3 

2.2 User Rights 3 

2.2.1 Quality Label Holders 3 

2.2.1.1 Coaters 3 

2.2.1.2 Coating Materials 3 

2.3 Expiry of User Rights 

6 

2.4 Test and Control Costs 3 

2.5 Publications 3 

2.6 Test Institutes 3 

3 Quality Label Licensing 3 

3.1 Pre-requisites for the right to use the Quality Label 3 

3.2 Applying for a Quality Label Licence 

8 

3.3 In House Controls 3 

3.4 Third Party Controls 3 

3.5 Disciplinary Procedures 3 

3.6 Grievance Procedures 3 

3.7 Re Licensing 3 

4 Technical Requirements for Industrial Coaters 

4.1 General Guidelines for the Coating of Industrial Piecework 

4.2 Requirements for Industrial Coaters 

4.3 Pre-treatment processes and surface pre-treatment 

4.3.1 General 

4.3.2 Storage of industrial piecework for coating 

4.3.3 Storage of the coating material 

4.3.4 Hanging and Positioning 

4.3.5 Industrial Coating using powder lacquers 

4.4 In House Controls 

4.4.1 General 

4.4.2 Goods In Procedures 

4.4.3 Constant production control processes 

4.4.4 Controls applicable to the coating layers 

4.4.4.1 Visual Surface Assessment 

4.4.4.2 Measuring layer thickness 

4.4.4.3 Gloss Assessment 

4.4.4.4 Adhesion Test / Cross link test 

4.4.4.5 Ball Impact Test 

4.4.5 Pre-treatment Test 

4.4.6 Condensed water constant climate (DIN EN ISO 6270-1) 

4.5 Third Party Controls 

4.5.1 General 

4.5.2 Condensed water constant climate (DIN EN ISO 6270-2) 

4.5.3 Salt Spray Test 

5 Technical Requirements for Industrial Coatings 

5.1 Requirements for licensed industrial coatings of Steel 

5.2 Requirements for licensed industrial coatings of galvanised Steel 

5.3 Requirements for licensed industrial coatings of Aluminum 

10 

13 

13 

15 

15 

16 

16 

17 

17 

18 

Page 2 of 30


6 Training 

6.1 Training Course s 

6.2 In House Training 

21 

7 Standards, Guidelines and Literature 

7.1 Standards 

7.2 Guidelines/Recommendations 

8 Appendices 

8.1 Sample Commitment Document 

8.2 Sample Licence Certificate 

8.3 Sample Record Card 

8.4 Comparison Table IQC class – Corrosion Classification 

8.5 Constant Climate 

8.6 Indicative records of object temperatures 

23 

27 

29 

Page 3 of 30


1 Area of Application 

Industrial Quality Coating International (IQC) is an autonomous Quality Association operating within 

the GSB International e.V. 

The Quality Regulations IQC 654 applies to the industrial coating with powder lacquers of piecework 

made from Steel, galvanised Steel or Aluminum and its alloys piecework. Coated piecework destined 

for external architectural use are exempt. 

The coat is applied to Steel or galvanised Steel surfaces produced in various processes (DIN EN 

10326, DIN EN 10327 and DIN EN ISO 1461) and includes fully and part finished piecework. The 

Quality Regulations IQC 654 also cover coatings applied to Aluminum and its alloys, but manual coating 

methods such as painting, brushing and rolling are not covered by these regulations. 

All legal requirements and regulations shall remain unaffected by the International Quality Guidelines 

for the Industrial piecework coating of Steel, galvanised Steel and Aluminum (IQC 654). 

Coating materials are restricted to those clearly defined within these Quality Regulations. 

The appropriate choice of coating materials and systems shall remain the sole responsibility of the 

industrial coater in agreement with their customer. 

Any adjustments to these Quality Regulations require the official proposal through the Technical 

Commission (TC-IQC) and sanctioning by the Board in order to become effective. Fundamental technical 

revisions require the approval of the Members’ Assembly. 

It is then deemed that such adjustments shall become effective after a period of 4 weeks from their 

publication unless otherwise specified. It is understood that the latest most up to date version or revision 

shall supersede all previous editions published by or on behalf of the IQC and thus shall be legally 

binding. 

Page 4 of 30


1.1 IQC-Coating Classification 

The long term protection against corrosion and the retention of the cosmetic appearance within the 

designated area of use are key factors in the appropriate selection of the coating classification. 

Table 

IQC class 

1 

Interior 

Innen 

2 

Industrial 

Industrie 

3 

Industrial Plus 

Industrie Plus 

Area of Use 

Interior 

Unheated buildings prone to 

condensation 

Production areas with high humidity 

and moderate levels of 

air pollution 

n/a 

Area of Use 

External 

n/a 

General inner city and industrial 

conditions, moderate pollution, 

industrial areas 

Aggressive inner city and industrial 

conditions, permanent condensation, 

moderate salt stress 

IQC coating classifications 1 to 3 do not correspond to corrosion classifications C1 to C5 as set out 

in DIN EN ISO 12944-2, DIN 55633 and DIN 55634. Corrosion classifications are exclusively designed 

to determine the corrosive stress factors within the relevant area of use (refer to table of 

comparison which can be found in the appendix). 

2 General Regulations 

2.1 General 

The Quality Regulations IQC 654 are the foundation for Quality Label Licensing, and will be subject to 

ongoing reviews, additions and development to reflect technical advancement. The use of the Quality 

Label is exclusive to products defined by specified user rights. 

Compliance with Quality Regulations IQC 654 shall remain the sole responsibility of the Quality Label 

Holder who is duty-bound to monitor and control standards on a continuous basis. 

Page 5 of 30


2.2 User Rights 

In the interest of fair competition and to avoid misuse, the Board reserves the right to impose specific 

regulations concerning the use of the Quality Label for general and communal PR purposes on the 

strict understanding that these shall not affect or apply to individual advertising. 

2.2.1 Quality Label Holders 

The IQC shall retain responsibility for the production of all branding material relating to the Quality 

Label (metal embossing, embossing stamps, printed material, tags, stickers and rubber stamps) and 

may attach specific regulations to the use thereof. Quality Label Holders, whose licence has been 

revoked are duty-bound to surrender immediately any branding material relating to the Quality Label, 

without any claim to compensation for or recovery of any relevant payments made already. This shall 

also apply to all situations where the User Rights have expired for any other reason. 

2.2.1.1 Coaters 

Coaters who have qualified and have been awarded a Quality Label licence are entitled to use the 

Quality Label shown below on all printed corporate material and stationery. 

2.2.1.2 Coating Materials 

Only TGIC free materials with pigments that are exempt from registration and do not contain any substances 

included in SVHC list (record of all substances causing concern) may be used. For external 

coatings the use of appropriately licensed materials in line with the Quality Regulations GSB AL 631 

and GSB ST 663 is recommended. 

2.3 Expiry of User Rights 

The right to use the Quality Label expires automatically upon termination of IQC Membership. 

User rights also expire in the following circumstances: 

• Quality Label Misuse 

• If the IQC ceases to operate in those areas specifically relevant to the Quality Label 

Page 6 of 30


• Upon the statutory withdrawal, with all financial and other commitments to the IQC on part of 

the Quality Label Holder having been met in full 

• If upon commencement of insolvency proceedings, the Administrators decide to close down the 

coating business of the Quality Label Holder in accordance with §§ 156, 157 InsO 

• Insolvency proceedings are refused due to lack of assets 

• Insolvency proceedings are abandoned due to lack of assets 

• In comparatively similar situations regarding insolvency applicable in other countries 

• If the Quality Label Holder declares themselves bankrupt 

In accordance with statutory requirements the IQC is obliged to notify the Quality Label holder in writing 

of the expiry of their user rights. 

The most recent edition of the GSB International e.V. statutes shall apply 

2.4 Test and Control Costs 

The applicant or Quality Label Holder is solely responsible to cover in full all test and control costs 

relating to the Quality Label including the expenditure for any additional testing that may be imposed 

by the IQC as part of the qualifying process relating to the Quality Label. 

2.5 Publications 

IQC is entitled to publish to their Members the following information in newsletters, circulars or on the 

internet: 

• Quality Labels awarded 

• Quality Labels withdrawn 

2.6 Test Institutes 

In relation to the licensing and use of the Quality Label the IQC is committed to strictly monitor and 

impose compliance with the standards set out in the Quality Regulations (IQC 654), which is assured 

by the appointment of accredited test institutes in line with DIN EN ISO/ IEC 17025 or IHK approved 

experts (examiners). 

3 Quality Label Licensing 

3.1 Pre-requisites for the right to use the Quality Label 

Upon application coaters may be awarded the right to use the „Industrial Quality Coating“ Quality Label 

by the IQC subject to the following requirements being met: 

Page 7 of 30


• Passing an Initial First Test 

• Passing a Control Test 

• Satisfactory Plant Equipment in accordance with section 

• Satisfactory Lab Equipment in accordance with section 

• Satisfactory In House Controls in accordance with section 4.4 

The initial first test and ongoing control tests are conducted by an accredited test institute, whereby it 

is understood that control tests are carried out annually on site, the positive outcome of which is mandatory 

for the continuing right to use the Quality Label. 

3.2 Applying for a Quality Label Licence 

All applications must be submitted in writing to the IQC together with a signed Certificate of Commitment. 

All applications will be checked by the IQC Technical Commission, who without advance notification 

are entitled to visit any applicant on site and/or request access to any relevant documentation 


Compliance with the Quality Regulations is the sole responsibility of each individual member, who is 

obliged to implement, carry out and record strict in house controls. The IQC reserve the right to request 

access to any relevant records at any time, and all members must be prepared to submit their 

quality assured industrial coated piecework for examination by either an accredited test institute or 

appointed examiner. 

3.4 Third party controls 

The IQC is committed to monitoring compliance with the Quality Regulations on an ongoing basis. 

On recommendation by the TC-IQC and subject to subsequent Board approval, third party controls are 

carried out either by an accredited test institute or an appointed examiner. With the exception of initial 

first tests, all other forms of third party controls take place without advance notification, and examiners 

are entitled to visit members on site at any time during regular working hours and/or request instant 

access to any samples. 

Test results will be recorded and confirmation will be sent to the test candidate as well as the IQC by 

recorded post. Any complaints must also be documented in these records. 

Control test passes automatically perpetuate the coater’s right to use the Quality Label until the next 

control test, without any additional notification to this end. 

Page 8 of 30


3.5 Disciplinary Procedures 

Depending on the severity of the offence, the IQC recommends the following Disciplinary Action in 

cases of quality assurance issues: 

1. Additional regulations in terms of in house controls 

2. Increased frequency of third party controls 

3. Formal warning 

4. A fine of up to Euro 1,000-- 

5. Suspension or permanent withdrawal of the Quality Label 

The above listed disciplinary measures may be imposed individually or in any combination. 

Quality Label holders found to have violated the Quality Regulations may receive a formal warning or 

instead be charged a fine to be determined on a case by case basis. All fines must be settled with the 

IQC within a period of 14 days from the date of notification. 

In case of repeated violations against these Quality Regulations the Quality Label will be revoked, 

which may also be imposed in cases of causing intentional delay or the willful obstruction to test procedures. 

The IQC is obliged to agree to a formal hearing prior to the implementation of any disciplinary action. 

All appropriately approved disciplinary measures shall be deemed as legally binding. 

Page 9 of 30


3.6 Grievance Procedures 

Quality Label holders are entitled to appeal against any disciplinary measures within 4 weeks from the 

date of notification. All grievances must be submitted in writing to the TC-IQC. If the appeal is quashed 

by the TC-IQC, the complainant has the option of referring the matter to a court of arbitration within a 

period of 4 weeks. 

It is understood that the section entitled „Resolving Disputes“ in the most current edition of the GSB 

International e.V. statutes shall be deemed as legally binding. 

3.7 Relicensing 

Once the right to use the Quality Label has been revoked, applications for relicensing cannot be submitted 

for a minimum period of 3 months. The relicensing process is described in section 3.2, whereby 

it is understood that the IQC may impose additional requirements as deemed appropriate on a case by 

case basis. 

4 Technical Requirements for Industrial Coaters 

4.1 General requirements for the industrial coating of piecework 

The following is required in the production process: 

• Chemical surface pre-treatment and/or mechanical surface pre-treatment 

• Powder Lacquer application 

• Powder Lacquer thermal bonding 

The plant must be equipped and operated to comply with section 4.2 ff as well as all legal requirements 

relevant to the application of coating materials and finished coated piecework. 

4.2 Requirements for Industrial Coaters 

The following table (refer to table 1) shows an overview of the requirements for industrial coaters 

aligned to the different coating classifications IQC class 1 to 3 as well as the coating materials permitted 

for application. 

Coating Classification: IQC class 1 Interior 

IQC class 2 Industrial 

IQC class 3 Industrial Plus 

Coatings designed for architectural application must be processed in accordance with the Quality 

Regulations GSB ST 663 and GSB Al 631 and require the coater to be an approved member of the 

GSB International e.V and licensed appropriately in accordance with GSB ST 663 and/or GSB AL 631. 

Page 10 of 30


Table 1 

Requirements for Industrial Coaters 

Specification IQC class 1 IQC class 2/3 

Surface pre treatment 

• Specified surface pre treatments 4.3.1 • • 

• No contact points on visible surfaces 4.3.1 • • 

• Instant Coating 4.3.1 < 48 h < 24 h 

• No unprotected manual handling of treated surfaces 4.3.1 • • 

• In house pre treatment controls 4.3.1 • • 

Surface preparations 

• Specified surface pre treatments 4.3.1 • • 

• No unprotected manual handling of treated surfaces 4.3.1 • • 

• In house pre treatment controls 4.3.1 • • 

Application by thermal bonding 

• In house controls over the coating process 4.4 • • 

• Controlling curing conditions 4.4 daily ≥ 

• Curing controls (sensored object measurements) 4.4 Half yearly quarterly 

Quality Controls 

• Surface Assessment 4.4.4.1 visual visual 

• Measuring the coating layer thickness 4.4.4.2 ≥1 x per layer ≥1 x per layer 

• Gloss comparison with samples 4.4.4.3 visual • 

• Measuring gloss 4.4.4.3 • • 

• Testing adhesion by means of cross linking 4.4.4.4 • • 

• Ball Impact test 4.4.4.5 recommended recommended 

• Boiling Water test 4.4.5 • • 

• Furnace check by measuring and documenting object temperatures 4.3.5 Half yearly quarterly 

Documenting Quality Controls 

• Order Documentation with worksheet/record card 4.4.1 • • 

• Quality Documentation with Samples/ Sample sheets/ Test records 4.4.1 > 300 m 2 > 150 m 2 

• Submission of product data and safety sheets 4.3.5 • • 

Storage 

• Complying with specified storage instructions for the piecework designated for 

coating 

4.3.2 • • 

• Complying with specified storage instructions for coating materials 4.3.3 • • 

• Suitable packaging • • 

Training 

* IQC training courses 6.1 2 years 2 years 

• Recorded in house training of staff 6.2 annually annually 

Page 11 of 30


4.3 Pre-treatment and Surface pre-treatment 

4.3.1 General 

Prior to coating for decorative and/or protective purposes, all surfaces to be coated must be polished, 

grease free and completely clean, which means that all substances and impurities which could potentially 

affect the subsequent adhesion of the coating must be removed. These include: 

• Oxide layers, rolling film, cinder layers and corrosive layers (such as white rust), 

• Rolling oils, other types of greasing, 

• Temporary corrosion protection, 

• Corrosion protection containing silicone, 

• Dust and impurities through handling, finger prints, 

• Saline residues. 

The coater shall take primary responsibility for the detailed recording of the preparation and pre treatment 

of surfaces and for the submission of these records to the IQC. Such records are the prerequisite 

for initial licensing and subsequent control testing. Any changes to the documented pretreatment 

processes must be communicated immediately and in writing to the IQC. 

The choice of pre-treatment process should take into account the latest technological advances as 

well as the performance potential of the selected pretreatment system. 

Page 12 of 30


4.3.2 Storage of Piecework for Coating 

Piecework destined for coating must be stored in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions to assure 

the protection of the surfaces from potentially harmful influences to the quality of the subsequent 

coating such as pre-corrosion or mechanical damage. 

Extended storage periods require a dry and well ventilated environment with adequate protective 

cover during storage and transport. Galvanised surfaces must be kept free from white rust, and outside 

storage should be avoided, where feasible. If piecework has to be kept outside, the coater must 

thoroughly remove all potential impurities immediately prior to coating. 

4.3.3 Storage of Coating Materials 

All coating materials must be stored in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Any deviations 

require the prior written agreement by the relevant manufacturer. 

4.3.4 Hanging and Positioning 

As a rule, piecework must be hung and positioned in a way that avoids any contact points which potentially 

will affect the appearance of the visible area on the coated surfaces. If contact cannot be 

eliminated completely, the client needs to be informed with drawings being submitted and/or the relevant 

piecework being marked accordingly. 

4.3.5 Industrial Coating using Powder Lacquer 

The coating process requires appropriate areas and complies with manufacturers’ instructions. The 

most up to date technical data sheets, preparation and safety instructions provided by the material 

supplier must be available and accessible to all relevant personnel at all times and without restriction. 

Under strict adherence to manufacturers’ instructions provided on the relevant product information 

sheet, the coating is then thermally bonded in a curing furnace. 

To assure the faultless function of the furnace the surrounding air temperature inside the curing 

chamber must be measured continually by means of an integral probe. Measurements and resting 

times must be documented as they are vital to the curing process. 

The object temperature may be controlled either by measurements taken inside the furnace or indicatively 

by means of a specified sample sheet in conjunction with an approved infra-red thermometer. 

(see appendix 8.6). 

Page 13 of 30



4.4.1 General 

These Quality Regulations contain specified instructions on the compulsory extent and frequency of in 

house controls. All coaters re obliged to implement and continually carry out in house control procedures 

relating to pretreatment and production processes in line with the IQC Quality Regulations, to 

record and keep for a minimum of two years all test results and documentation together will appropriately 

marked samples, irrespective of any other legal or contractual regulations that may apply (this 

relates to batch sizes in excess of 150 m² destined for external application and over 300 m² for interior 

application respectively). All records must be made accessible to examiners as and when required. 

For batches below 150 m² records may be kept on a worksheet/record card (please refer to appendix 

8.3). 

4.4.2 Goods In 

All coaters are duty bound to control the delivered material in terms of its suitability for coating. Any 

issues must be documented and raised with the customer in writing. 

4.4.3 Ongoing Production Control Processes 

Coating plants must establish an area for the production control process which is geographically separated 

from the actual production equipment. The control station must be equipped with the following 

as mandatory: 

1. Layer thickness measuring equipment with operates on a magnetic principle in accordance 

DIN EN ISO 2178 or eddy current principle in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2360 

2. Cross link stencil in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2409 

3. Probe for the indicative measuring of the object temperature (Infra red thermometer and 

test plate) or furnace measuring device 

4. Equipment required for boiling water testing 

5. Gloss measuring device in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2813 (60° measuring angle) for 

IQC class 2/3 

The additional equipment is recommended: 

1. Gloss measuring device in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2813 (60° measuring angle) for 

IQC class 1 

2. Curing chamber probe to measure the object temperature of the piecework in production 

3. Equipment required for ball impact testing in accordance with ASTM D 2794 

4. Constant Climate chamber 

Page 14 of 30


Any equipment failure is to be documented and dated. Repairs and maintenance schedules as well as 

calibrating records must be submitted to the examiner on request. All in house controls must be carried 

out on site and results must be documented accordingly. 

4.4.4 Examining Coating Layers 

4.4.4.1 Visual Surface Assessment 

The decorative appearance of the surface relevant to its constancy and evenness in terms of colour 

and structure is to be assessed visually from a vertical position without any ancillary equipment at a 

distance of at least 5 m for piecework destined for interior application and 3 m for external application 

respectively, under diffused lighting. All parts must be uniform in terms of gloss, colour and structure. 

Deviations from the specified assessment criteria must be agreed in advance between all contract 

partners in writing. 

Flaws in the coating base such as unevenness, scratches, marks caused by polishing, corrosive scars 

and welding seams are irrelevant in assessing the quality of the coating. 

4.4.4.2 Measuring Layer Thickness 

Each piecework should be subject to measurements being taken from at least 3 measuring points (1 

cm²), evenly spread across the surface. 

The layer thickness must not fall below 80 % of its target at any of the measuring points. The mean 

average of all measurements taken at the individual measuring points must be above or equal to the 

target thickness. Deviations from the specified target thickness values must be agreed in advance by 

all contract partners in writing. 

• Steel: 

The layer thickness is specified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2178. The target layer thickness 

of coated piecework made from steel must comply with the requirements specified in accordance 

with DIN 55633 or DIN 55634. 

• Galvanised Steel: 

The layer thickness is specified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2360. The target layer thickness 

of coated piecework made from galvanised steel must comply with the requirements 

specified in accordance with DIN 55633 or DIN 55634. Measurements relating to the layer 

thickness of galvanised coatings are taken as differentials before and after coating. 

• Aluminum: 

The layer thickness is specified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2360, whereby any potential 

impact of alloys on the measuring equipment must be observed. 

Page 15 of 30


4.4.4.3 Gloss Assessment 

- IQC class 1 

Gloss grades are assessed in a visual process by means of comparison of the products or agreed 

limit value samples. 

- IQC class 2/3 

Gloss grades (Reflectometer values) are measured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2813 (DIN 67 

530) at a solarisation angle of 60° in all tests whereby the Reflectometer value is to be recorded in 

units (GE). 

4.4.4.4 Examining Adhesion/Cross Link Test 

Adhesion is examined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2409 followed by an adhesive tape test. 

4.4.4.5 Ball Impact Test 

The ball impact test is to be carried out in accordance with ASTM D 2794. The test must be scheduled 

1 hour after coating at a temperature of 20 °C to 25 °C with a ball measuring 15.9 mm. Test results 

are evaluated by the naked eye. 

4.4.5 Pre Treatment Test 

Pre treatments are being tested in a 60-minute boiling VE-water test followed by an immediate visual 

assessment to ensure that the coating does not show any flaws or blisters. Samples are then stored at 

room temperature for 1 hr after which time a cross link and adhesive tape test is carried out. 

4.4.6 Condensed Water Constant Climate (DIN EN ISO 6270-1) 

This test can be carried out as part of the in house control procedures in a constant climate chamber 

described in section 8.5. 

Test procedures must comply with specifications in accordance with DIN EN ISO 6270-1. Prior to testing 

samples must be scarred using a scratching tool as defined by Sikkens (1.0 mm) in a criss-cross 

(cross linked) fashion. 

Assessment: Degree of blistering in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4628-2 

Lifting at the scar in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4628-8 

Page 16 of 30


4.5 Third Party Controls 

4.5.1 General 

Third party control procedures are specified in section 3.4. 

Samples taken by the examiner will be assessed by an accredited test institute in accordance with the 

relevant profile of requirements. 

4.5.2 Condensed Water Constant Climate (DIN EN ISO 6270-2) 

Test procedures are to be following in accordance with DIN EN ISO 6270-2 (CH). Prior to testing all 

samples must be scarred using a scratching tool as defined by Sikkens (1.0 mm) in a criss-cross 

(cross linked) fashion. 



4.5.3 Salt Spray Test 

For piecework made from steel and galvanised steel substrates test procedures are specified in accordance 

with DIN EN ISO 9227 (NSS) and DIN EN ISO 9227 (AASS) respectively for piecework 

made from Aluminum. Prior to testing all samples must be scarred using a scratching tool as defined 

by Sikkens (1.0 mm) in a criss-cross (cross linked) fashion. 



Page 17 of 30


5 Technical Requirements for Licensed Industrial Coatings 

5.1 Requirements for Licensed Industrial Coating of Steel Piecework 

Classified black steel sheets of type DC01-A in accordance with DIN EN 10130 are the preferred medium 

to test properties: part no. 1.0244. Test sample sizes are dependent on the relevant test specifications 

(preferably 70 x 140 x 0.5 mm). 

Table 1 Requirements for Industrial Coating of Steel Piecework 

System Spec IQC class 1 IQC class 2 IQC class 3 

Single Layer system • • 

Dual Layer system 

• 

Recommended with 

Coating System 

- - 

GSB Licence in line with 

(Base coat) 

GSB ST 663 




Interior application GSB Licence in line with GSB Licence in line with 

(Top coat) 



Layer Thickness [µm] > 50 µm > 80 µm > 120 µm 

Cross Link and Tape Test Gt0 Gt0 Gt0 

Ball Impact Test (Reverse 

Method) 

Cracking 

20 inch/pound 

none 

20 inch/pound 

none 

10 inch/pound 

permitted 

Gloss Visual Measured Measured 

Condensed Water Constant 

Climate with cross linking 

Test Time 

Degree of Blistering 

Flaws at the cross links 

Resistance to neutral salt spray 

Test Time 



Boiling Water Test 

Test Time 

Cross links and Tape 


120 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

120 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

60 min 

≤ GT 1 

0 (S0) 

180 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

360 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

60 min 

≤ GT 1 

0 (S0) 

480 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

720 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

60 min 

≤ GT 1 

0 (S0) 

Page 18 of 30


5.2 Requirements for Licensed Industrial Coating of Galvanised Steel Piecework 

Banded galvanised steel sheets type DX 51 D+Z in accordance with DIN EN 10130 are the preferred 

medium to test technical properties. Test sample sizes are dependent on the relevant test specifications 

(preferably 70x140x0.5 mm). 

Individually galvanised steel sheets type DC01-A in accordance with DIN EN 10130 are the preferred 

medium to test corrosive protection: part no. 1.0244. Test sample sizes are dependent on the relevant 

test specifications (preferably 70x140x0.5 mm galvanised in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1461) 

Table 2 Requirements for the Industrial Coating of Galvanised Steel Piecework 


Single Layer System • • 

Multiple Layer System 

• 



- - 

GSB licence in line with 

(Base coat) 





Interior Application GSB Licence in line with GSB Licence in line with 

(Top coat) 




Cross Linking and Tape Test Gt 0 Gt 0 Gt 0 

Ball Impact Test 

(Reverse Method) 

Cracking 

20 inch/pound 

none 

20 inch/pound 

none 

10 inch/pound 

permitted 



Climate 

Flawed 

Test Time 




Climate 1 

(optional) 

Flawless 

Test Time 


120 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

168 h 

0 (S0) 

168 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

240 h 

0 (S0) 

240 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

480 h 

0 (S0) 

Resistance to neutral salt spray 

Test Time 




Test Time 

Cross Links and Tape 


120 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 5.0 mm 

60 min 

≤ Gt 1 

0 (S0) 

240 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 5.0 mm 

60 min 

≤ Gt 1 

0 (S0) 

480 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 5.0 mm 

60 min 

≤ Gt 1 

0 (S0) 

1 This test may be carried out as an in house procedure 

Page 19 of 30


5.3 Requirements for Licensed Industrial Coating of Aluminum Piecework 

The following Aluminum alloys are the preferred media to test properties: 

• Sheeting: EN AW-5005 H 12 [AlMg1(B)] mill finish 

The test sample sizes are dependent on the relevant test specifications 

(preferably 70 x 140 x 0.7-0.8 mm). 

• Profile Sections: EN AW-6060 T 66 [AlMgSi]/EN AW-6063 T 6 oder T 66 [AlMg0,7Si] 

Table 4 Requirements for Industrial Coated Aluminum Piecework 


Single Layer system • • 

Dual Layer system 


(Base coat) 


(Top coat) 

SP/EP or equivalent 

Recommended 

with 

GSB Licence 

in line with 

GSB AL 631 

• 

Recommended 

with 

GSB Licence in 

line with 


Recommended 

with 

GSB Licence in 

line with 



Cross Linking and Tape Test Gt 0 Gt 0 Gt 0 

Ball Impact Test (Reverse 

Method) 

Cracking 

20 inch/pound 20 inch/pound 10 inch/pound 



Climate 

Test Time 



Resistance to acid salt spray 

Test Time 




Test Time 

Cross links and tape 


144 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

96 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

60 min 

Gt ≤ 1 

0 (S0) 

240 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

240 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

60 min 

Gt ≤ 1 

0 (S0) 

480 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

480 h 

0 (S0) 

d ≤ 1.0 mm 

60 min 

Gt ≤ 1 

0 (S0) 

Page 20 of 30


6 Training 

6.1 Training Courses 

Every two years each quality label holder is duty bound to send one representative of their technical 

personnel on a training course run by either the IOC or the GSB. All training courses are completed by 

a written exam. 

New members are obliged to enroll in the first available training course. Certificates are issued on the 

successful completion of all training courses. 

6.2 In House Training 

On a regular basis and at least once a year, all coaters must update and train their personnel in matters 

relevant to the QR and such training must be documented accordingly. 

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7 Standards, Guidelines and Literature 

7.1 Standards 

ASTM D 2794 

DIN 6174 

DIN EN 10130 

DIN EN 10143 

DIN EN 10326 

DIN EN 10327 

Evaluating the speed of deformation of organic coating; ball impact stress 

(1993 edition) 

Colour metric assessment of colour measurements and deviations within a 

comparable CIELAB environment, 2007-10 edition 

Cold rolled flat piecework made from soft steels for cold forming; technical 

specifications for delivery; 2007-04 edition 

Continually enamel dipped banding and sheeting made from steel; limit value 

measurements and shape tolerances; 2006-09 edition 

Continually enamel dipped banding and sheeting made from structural steel; 

technical specifications for delivery; 2004-09 edition 

Continually enamel dipped banding and sheeting made from soft steel for cold 

forming – technical specifications for delivery; 2004-09 edition 

DIN EN 12476 Phosphate coatings on metals, specifications of process requirements; 2001- 

10 edition 

DIN EN 12487 

DIN EN ISO 1461 


Rinse and no-rinse Chromate coatings on piecework made from Aluminum 

and its alloys; 2007-07 edition 

Zinc coating of steel by galvanising (piecework galvanising) – Requirements 

and test procedures: 10:2009 edition 

Guidelines and recommendations for the protection against corrosion of iron 

and steel constructions – zinc coating: Part 1: general guidelines relevant to 

the resistance against corrosion; edition 05:2010) DIN EN ISO 1519 

Coating materials – mandrel bending; 04:2011 edition 

DIN EN ISO 2178 Non magnetic coating of magnetic base metals – measuring film thickness – 

magnet application; 1995-04 edition 

DIN EN ISO 2360 Non conductive coating of magnetic base metals - measuring film thickness – 

eddy current application; 04:2004 edition 


Lacquers and paints – cross link testing, 2007-08 edition 


Coating Materials – assessing coating flaws – evaluating the number and 

extent of flaws and the degree of consistent changes in the appearance of the 

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coating 

Part 2: Degree of Blistering; 2004-1 edition 

Part 8: Degree of lifting and corrosion as a result of cracking; 2005-05 edition 

DIN EN ISO 6270-2 

DIN EN 23270 

DIN 50978 

Coating Materials – assessing resistance against humidity - Part 2: Processes 

to evaluate the stress on samples in a condensed water climate; edition 

09:2005DIN EN ISO 9227 Evaluating corrosion in artificially created climatic 

conditions – salt spray testing; 2006-10 edition 

Lacquers, paints and their raw materials; Temperature and air humidity for 

conditioning and testing; 1991-09 edition 

Assessing metallic coating; Adhesion of galvanised coating; 1985-10 edition 

7.2 Guidelines / Recommendations 

GSB-AL 631 

GSB-ST 663 

VdL-RL 10 

Duplex 

SVHC-List 

Quality Guidelines for Aluminum Piecework Coating; 2009-05 edition 

Quality Guidelines for Steel Piecework Coating; 2009-07 edition 

Permissible colour tolerances for single colour powder lacquers in architectural 

applications; 

2004-04 edition 

Guidelines for the corrosive protection of steel constructions – Duplex- 

Systems – Galvanising plus Coating; 2000-06 edition 

List of potential Substances of Very High Concern 

Current edition: www.echa.europa.eu 

DIN 55633 

DIN 55634 


Protecting steel constructions from corrosion by powder coating – Evaluation 

of powder coating systems and processes; 04-2009 edition 

Coating materials and coatings – protecting thin walled load bearing steel 

construction piecework against corrosion; 04:2010 edition 

Protecting steel constructions against corrosion by application of coating systems 

Parts 1 to 6 

8 APPENDIX 

8.1 Sample Application 

Application Form 

Page 23 of 30


1. The undersigned / company hereby submit their application with the 

IQC International to become 

O a member* 

O a licensed IQC Quality Label Holder for Industrial Quality Coating* 

2. The undersigned / company hereby confirm to have read, understood and 

accepted as mandatory 

– the IQC International Quality Guidelines 

– the IQC International Statutes 

– the IQC International Fee Structure 

_____________________ 

(Date and Place) 

______________________________________ 

(Stamp and Signature of the Applicant) 

* please tick as applicable 

Page 24 of 30


8.2 Sample Licence Certificate 

Page 25 of 30


8.3 Sample Worksheet/Record Card 

Page 26 of 30


8.4 Comparison Chart IQC class – Corrosion Classification 

To be added 

Page 27 of 30


8.5 Constant Climate 

To be added 

Page 28 of 30


8.6 Indicative Recording of Object Temperatures 

Instructions for the indicative recording of object temperatures by means of a test sheet and remote 

thermometer: 

1. Purpose 

The description of specific processes that are mandatory for the indicative measuring of object 

temperatures during the curing of powder lacquers serves the purpose of creating set standards 

to assure the functionality of the curing chamber/furnace and facilitate permanent controls 

over the curing processes for powder lacquers. 

2. Fundamental Procedures 

For the purpose of these instructions, curing chamber/furnace measurements are taken from a 

designated sample sheet on exiting the powder curing chamber. 

3. Equipment 

This consists of an IQC (steel) test sheet and a remote temperature measuring device (Infra 

red or laser thermometer). The curing chamber/furnace measuring device must be equipped 

with at least two object probes which are mandatory for the recording of target temperatures. 

a. IQC Test Sheet 

The IQC test sheet is a steel sheet measuring 33 cm x 33 cm and 3.00 mm in thickness. 

Four holes need to be drilled into the test sheet for hanging and the sheet must 

be marked by the cut out of IQC Quality Label. 

b. Thermometer 

The remote measuring device is a standard Infra red Thermometer, where by it is recommended 

that the distance between the thermometer and test sheet should not exceed 

1.5 m with the measuring point no larger than 2 mm. Equipment with temperature 

tolerances of more than 10 °C at 200 °C object temperature cannot be used. 

4. Definition Measurements (TARGET Temperatures) 

The sensors of the curing chamber/furnace measuring device are attached to the uncoated 

test sheet. An air sensor to measure the air temperature inside the curing chamber/furnace 

and an object probe are attached to the upper and lower half of the test sheet. The test sheet 

is then fed through the curing chamber/furnace and object temperatures are documented by 

means of a graph. 

On exiting the furnace/curing chamber the object temperature of the test sheet is measured by 

means of a remote thermometer. The results provided by the curing chamber/furnace measuring 

device and the remote thermometer must be compared and recorded accordingly. 

5. Ongoing Control Measurements (comparative ACTUAL Temperatures) 

The uncoated test sheet is fed through the curing chamber/furnace and its object temperature 

is taken on exit by means of a remote thermometer. The ongoing control measurements must 

Page 29 of 30


then be compared with the Target Temperatures of the Definition Measurements and must not 

deviate by more than 15 %. 

6. Deviation 

If the values of the Definition Measurements and Ongoing Control Measurements deviate by 

more than 15 %, the curing chamber/furnace must be tested by taking temperatures using object 

sensors. 

7. Exclusions 

The process described as „Indicative Recording of Object Temperatures by means of a test 

sheet and remote thermometer“ does not make any provisions for variations in curing times on 

account of different piecework thickness. 

Page 30 of 30

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