Glossary

Glossary A to Z

Technical terms from the book's list of abbreviations and glossary, with cross-references.

Accredited Body

Organisation approved by the military lead office that audits companies under DIN 2303.

Accredited bodies carry out the application review, the site visit and the technical interview with the welding supervisor, and issue the certificate of manufacturer qualification. A company is free to choose its accredited body; the civil coordination office has no influence over that choice.

Reference book, Chapter 15, 29

Allied Engineering Publication (AEP)

NATO publication series for technical rulebooks, including ballistic testing.

AEP documents supplement the AQAP series with technical content, such as the occupant protection levels for armoured land vehicles. For a manufacturing company they are usually relevant through the STANAG reference with which they are cited together.

Reference book, Chapter 27

Allied Quality Assurance Publication (AQAP)

Family of NATO rulebooks for quality assurance on defense contracts.

The AQAP series ranges from foundational documents with no contractual status to concrete requirements for development, production and testing, which are agreed as the contractual basis depending on the order. Which level applies depends on the order, not on the size of the company.

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

AQAP Confirmation

Formal confirmation of a company's quality management system by BAAINBw.

It relates to specific AQAP levels such as 2310, 2110 or 2120 and presupposes contracts that already exist. It is therefore not an entry requirement for being awarded a contract, but a confirmation that arises out of ongoing contracts.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Arc Blow

Deflection of the arc caused by a residual magnetic field in the component.

It causes an unstable arc, one-sided penetration, lack of fusion and porosity, particularly in tack welds and root passes where little weld metal is yet present. The cause is residual magnetism, which can originate from lifting magnets, magnetic chucks or magnetic particle testing.

Reference book, Chapter 6.8, 29

Association of Testing Centres for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM)

Association of test centres with its own ballistic test directive for civilian and some defense-adjacent applications.

The General Test Directive defines test levels from 1 to 10, the test sample format, angle of impact and the definition of multihit. For plate-like materials there is additionally a dedicated product-specific test directive.

Related: Multihit, V50

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

Bonding Supervisor (KAP)

Responsible supervisor for bonding processes under TL A-0023 and DIN 2304.

For armour steel, bonding is a separate approval regime alongside welding, with its own company qualification for military products. The bonding supervisor takes on a role similar to the welding supervisor for joining by welding.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Brinell Hardness (HBW)

Hardness value measured with a carbide ball, the common parameter for armour steel.

The test is carried out close to the surface, typically 0.5 to 1.0 millimetres below the machined face. That is precisely the zone lost when a plate is subsequently milled down, which is why such a plate loses its hardness verification.

Reference book, Chapter 13.3, 27

Bundeswehr Quality Inspection Office (GPS Bw)

Local office that carries out the official government quality assurance in or at the company.

It accompanies production, evaluates test results and issues the release endorsement before delivery. The quality inspection office's access to the company is a point many companies underestimate when starting out.

Reference book, Chapter 27

Bundeswehr Research Institute for Materials, Fuels and Lubricants (WIWeB)

Military lead office of the Bundeswehr for welding and bonding technology.

It appoints the civil coordination office, accredits bodies, and represents the Bundeswehr on the relevant standards committees. It also maintains a list of approved filler metals for special materials.

Reference book, Chapter 15.9, 27

Carbon Equivalent (CET/CEV)

Calculated values derived from the chemical composition that describe the susceptibility to hydrogen cracking.

They determine the minimum preheat temperature required for welding. When changing batches, CET and CEV should be compared, because the preheat temperature must be reassessed depending on the chemical scatter.

Reference book, Chapter 6.5, 29

Cathodic Dip Coating (KTL)

Electrochemical coating process with a bake-on step.

The bake-on step operates at temperatures that, for armour steel, can sit critically close to the material-specific heating limit. Before use it must therefore be checked whether the process temperature stays below the permissible limit.

Related: Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)

Reference book, Chapter 27

Centre for Technical Quality Management (ZtQ)

Department within BAAINBw for technical quality management, including for concessions.

On orders subject to government quality assurance, it must be involved in the concession process whenever a company wants to depart from the agreed design. It is thus one of the offices companies must approach for deviations, in addition to the customer's purchasing department.

Reference book, Chapter 13.3, 27

Civil Coordination Office

Office appointed by the military lead office that organisationally carries the approval system under DIN 2303.

It maintains the online register of approved manufacturers, hosts the Experience Exchange of the Accredited Bodies, and itself acts as an accredited body. It has no influence over which accredited body a company chooses for its procedure.

Reference book, Chapter 15.9

Classified Information Directive (VSA)

Directive governing the internal handling of classified matter within a company.

It specifies in concrete terms how a company organisationally handles documents classified as requiring protection. Together with the Classified Information Protection Handbook, it forms the basis for the company's classified information protection organisation.

Reference book, Chapter 27

Classified Information Protection Handbook (GHB)

Rulebook issued by the responsible ministry on handling classified matter in industry.

Annex 4 contains the fact sheet on the lowest classification level, VS-NfD, which requires no security clearance but does require a contractual undertaking. Higher classification levels additionally require a security clearance check under the Security Clearance Check Act.

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

Classified Matter – Restricted (VS-NfD)

Lowest classification level in the German system for protecting classified information.

It requires no formal security clearance check, but does require a contractual undertaking under Annex 4 of the Classified Information Protection Handbook. In practice it is the level many companies first come into contact with when entering the defense sector.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Cold Cracking

Hydrogen-induced crack that appears only hours to days after welding.

It typically forms in the heat-affected zone or at the weld toe as a result of cooling too quickly, missing preheat, or hydrogen sources such as damp electrodes. Because it appears with a delay, it is easily missed during ongoing production.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Cold Straightening

Straightening by force rather than heat, in a press or by roller levelling.

For armour steel it is permitted, because hot straightening exceeds the tempering temperature and destroys hardness and protective performance. Cold straightening nonetheless remains cold forming, and therefore a special process that must be defined and that consumes deformation capacity.

Reference book, Chapter 13.9, 29

Component Class (BK)

Classification of a defense product by stress level and safety significance, BK 1 to BK 4.

Together with the Q class, the component class determines which weld quality level and which personnel are required, and it is derived from the function of the component, not from the material. If no component class is documented and demonstrable, the strictest level, BK 1, applies automatically.

Reference book, Chapter 15.5, 29

Concession and Deviation

Prior written customer approval for a departure from the drawing, specification or inspection requirement.

The application must be submitted through the customer's purchasing department before delivery; applying after the fact is worthless. On orders subject to government quality assurance, the Centre for Technical Quality Management must additionally be involved.

Reference book, Chapter 13.3, 29

Defense Equipment Standard (VG)

Independent series of standards for defense equipment, for example for camouflage paints.

VG standards supplement the general technical delivery conditions with specific provisions that lie outside the civilian standards world. They are relevant for companies offering coatings or special processes for defense materiel.

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

Defense Technology Centre (WTD)

Bundeswehr office for technical trials; in the context of armour steel, mainly WTD 91 for weapons and ammunition.

It carries out the firing trials of the Q3 test bodies and is thus directly responsible for armour steel approval. Without a named order and requiring authority, a first Q3 application rarely receives consideration at the WTD.

Reference book, Chapter 15.4, 27

Die Opening Angle

Opening angle of the bending die, which must allow for overbending to compensate for springback.

If a standard die with too small an opening angle is used, springback cannot be compensated for geometrically and the target angle is not reached. The angle required depends on grade, thickness and target bend angle, and must be determined case by case.

Related: Springback

Reference book, Chapter 5, 13.5

Eight Disciplines Methodology (8D)

Structured eight-step method for handling complaints.

The 8D method runs from the immediate containment action through root cause analysis to the permanent corrective action, and defense customers frequently prescribe it as the format for complaint responses. It does not replace a supplier's own failure analysis, but it does set the structure in which a supplier must respond.

Reference book, Chapter 27

End-Use Certificate

Legally binding assurance regarding the eventual whereabouts of a defense good.

It is a precondition for export licences and often also for procuring armour steel itself, because the raw material already counts as a defense good. Without a solid end-use declaration, the procurement process stalls before manufacturing even begins.

Related: General Authorisation (AGG)

Reference book, Chapter 29

Experience Exchange of the Accredited Bodies (ERFA)

Body that continuously interprets and supplements DIN 2303.

Participation is mandatory for the heads of the accredited bodies, and the results are documented in a continuously maintained A-Z compendium. Anyone who knows only the 2007 standard text knows only half the rule, because many practically relevant clarifications appear exclusively in this compendium.

Reference book, Chapter 15.1, 27

Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)

Ministry responsible, among other things, for the Classified Information Protection Handbook and parts of export control.

The name has changed several times in recent years, previously BMWK and before that BMWi. For defense technology, its area of responsibility for classified information protection in industry is the most relevant.

Reference book, Chapter 27

Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg)

Supreme federal authority responsible for the Bundeswehr's procurement system.

Contract terms such as the BMVg's Supplementary Contract Conditions to the VOL/B originate with this ministry. In day-to-day business, suppliers mainly encounter it through such contract documents.

Related: § 12 VOL/B, ZVB/BMVg

Reference book, Chapter 27

Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)

Licensing authority for exports and transfers of defense goods.

Individual, collective and global licences are applied for at BAFA, which also carries out certification under Article 9 of the Defense Products Directive. For companies wanting to source armour steel from outside Germany within the EU, this certification is often the most practical route.

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)

Federal authority for IT security, responsible among other things for NIS2 registration.

Companies that fall under the NIS2 Implementation Act have registered via a BSI portal since January 2026. In the defense supply chain, this topic is increasingly also required contractually, independent of the statutory obligation.

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw)

Bundeswehr procurement authority headquartered in Koblenz.

It awards contracts, operates government quality assurance through subordinate offices, and confirms companies' AQAP qualifications. For a supplier it is usually present through the Centre for Technical Quality Management or the quality assurance offices, not directly.

Reference book, Chapter 27

First Article Inspection (FAI)

Inspection of a first sample, manufactured under production or near-production conditions, against every drawing requirement.

Nominal and actual values are documented for every characteristic, including notes and standard references on the drawing. The scope of the inspection is set by the submission level specified by the customer.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Flatness Class (EN 10029)

Classes N and S, combined with steel types L and H, for the permissible waviness of heavy plate.

Because of its high yield strength, armour steel falls under steel type H, whose permissible waviness is twice that of type L. The flatness usually called up on drawings is in practice significantly tighter than what the standard allows in the as-delivered condition.

Reference book, Chapter 13.2

Foreign Trade and Payments Act and Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance (AWG/AWV)

Legal framework governing export, transfer and technical assistance involving defense goods.

Armour steel counts as a defense good even in plate form, and therefore falls under this framework as soon as it leaves the EU or is sourced from outside the EU. The specific licensing requirement depends on the entry in the Export List, the recipient and the intended use.

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

Umbrella term for MAG and MIG welding.

In tables and rulebooks, only the group designation GMAW is often used when the exact gas type is not decisive. In practice, however, it still matters which specific process and which filler metal are approved.

Reference book, Chapter 27

General Authorisation (AGG)

Export authorisation granted in advance for specific, clearly defined cases under foreign trade law.

Unlike an individual licence, a General Authorisation does not need to be applied for again with each delivery — it covers a defined group of recipients or purpose as a blanket approval. Several such authorisations exist for defense goods, including for deliveries to armed forces or to recipients certified under Article 9.

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)

Industry association whose documentation standards are also referenced in part within the defense sector.

VDA 1 governs documentation and archiving, VDA 6.3 the process audit; both are occasionally required as a supplementary requirement. For a company they are usually relevant in addition to the actual defense technology standards, not as a substitute.

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

German Security and Defense Industry Association (BDSV)

Trade association of the German defense technology industry.

Together with BAAINBw, the BDSV publishes coordinated guidance on quality assurance that serves as a practical supplement to the official rulebooks. For newcomers, such guidance is often easier to follow than the original standards.

Related: Government Quality Assurance

Reference book, Chapter 27, 30

German Welding Society (DVS)

Technical association for welding technology, publisher of technical guidance sheets.

DVS guidance sheets such as 2715 and 2721 are referenced in DIN 2303, where they give concrete form to general requirements. The association is also involved in the qualification of welding supervisors.

Related: Welding Engineer (SFI)

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

Government Quality Assurance

Official, ongoing inspection of performance against contractually agreed technical and organisational requirements.

It is not an acceptance procedure but an ongoing monitoring process whose scope is set by the agreed AQAP level. For the company it mainly means a right of access for the inspection office, which must also be regulated contractually.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)

Area next to a weld or cut edge whose microstructure has been altered by heat.

For armour steel it is the critical area for softening and cracking, because ballistic performance comes entirely from the heat-treated condition. Both excessive and insufficient temperature control damage this zone in different ways.

Reference book, Chapter 1, 29

High Hardness Armour (HHA)

Hardness class of protective steel in the upper hardness range.

It sits well above classic rolled homogeneous armour and brings narrower welding and forming windows with it. In practice, as hardness rises, both the permissible bend radius and the temperature window for welding shrink.

Reference book, Chapter 27, 29

Inspection Sequence Plan

Plan agreed with the responsible quality assurance office that sets out inspections and contact points in time.

It sets out at which points in production government quality assurance must be informed or involved. If it is missing or not followed, delays to release and delivery are likely.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Internal Coolant Supply (IKZ)

Coolant supply routed through the tool itself, particularly when drilling.

For tough, high-strength materials such as armour steel, active internal cooling is often decisive for tool life and hole quality. Tools without this option reach their limits sooner at greater drilling depths.

Related: Solid Carbide (VHM)

Reference book, Chapter 27

Interpass Temperature

Temperature of the component before the next weld pass is applied.

For armour steel it has a tight upper limit, because excessive temperatures soften the heat-affected zone. It is measured on the thicker plate of the joint, with a wait of at least two minutes per 25 millimetres of thickness before measuring.

Reference book, Chapter 6.5, 6.6, 29

Manufacturer Qualification (Q1 to Q4)

Four-level classification under DIN 2303 that determines which requirements a company must meet.

Q1 and Q2 are material-related and product-independent, whereas Q3 and Q4 are tied to the function of the component. For armour steel with a protective function, Q3 applies as a rule, regardless of the fact that the material on its own would also fall under Q2.

Reference book, Chapter 15.2, 29

Metal Active Gas, Metal Inert Gas and Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (MAG/MIG/TIG)

The three common gas-shielded arc processes used for welding armour steel.

They differ in shielding gas and electrode, but share the need for controlled heat input and suitable, low-hydrogen filler metals. Which process is suitable depends on component geometry, position and the required weld quality.

Related: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

Reference book, Chapter 27

Multihit

Ballistic test condition with three hits in an equilateral triangle.

The hit spacing is three to four times the calibre diameter, in order to assess the effect of multiple impacts in a small area. The exact definition is set out in the rulebook of the relevant test centre, for example the VPAM test directive.

Reference book, Chapter 29

NATO Commercial and Government Entity Code (NCAGE Code)

Five-character key for identifying companies within the NATO codification system.

The code can be applied for free of charge, but it is a precondition for taking part in many defense tenders. Without it, a company is practically invisible within the procurement system of NATO member states.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Collective term for inspection methods that examine a component for internal or external defects without destroying it.

These include, among others, penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, radiographic and visual testing. Personnel deployed must be qualified under EN ISO 9712; in aerospace, EN 4179 additionally applies.

Reference book, Chapter 27

Non-Destructive Testing Methods (PT/MT/UT/RT/VT)

Collective term for penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, radiographic and visual testing.

Which method is used depends on the material, component geometry and the required weld quality. For armour steel, magnetic particle testing needs particular attention because of the residual magnetism it imparts.

Reference book, Chapter 27

Personnel Concept

Evidence of how welding supervision remains assured for the entire duration of the certificate.

It is required when a registered supervisor will reach retirement age during the certificate period, or a foreseeable absence is coming up. Without a solid concept, a company risks its approval failing for lack of personnel even though the technology is sound.

Reference book, Chapter 15.6

Proof-Firing Test Body

Test body that a company manufactures for the Q3 procedure qualification under TL 2350-0003.

The test bodies are subsequently fired upon by the Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition to verify weld quality on armoured housings. Only once the trial has been passed is approval granted to manufacture armour components.

Reference book, Chapter 15, 29

Quality Assurance Agreement (QSV)

Contractual agreement between customer and supplier on the quality assurance to be applied.

It sets out which inspections, records and access rights apply, and is often supplemented by order-specific individual conditions. For a supplier, alongside the drawing, it is the second key document of an order.

Reference book, Chapter 27

Quality Assurance Requirements (QSB)

Numeric codes in the order that reference a system house's specific quality requirements.

Only the associated catalogue explains what a code actually demands, for example which submission level applies to first article inspection. The QSB code is thus the central key for costing a defense order.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Quality Level

Permissible limits for imperfections in welded joints under EN ISO 5817.

Levels B, C and D differ in strictness, with B being the most demanding. Which level applies depends on the component class: BK 1 and BK 2 require level B, BK 3 requires C, BK 4 requires D.

Related: Component Class (BK)

Reference book, Chapter 13.7, 29

Quality Management Plan (QMP)

Contract-specific plan under AQAP 2105 that describes the quality assurance arrangements for a particular order.

It is required at almost every AQAP level except the pure final-inspection level, and must be submitted before work begins. Without a plan drawn up in time, production formally cannot start.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Release Endorsement

Official endorsement to be issued before delivery under section 12 VOL/B.

Domestically this is in practice the certification stamp of the Bundeswehr Quality Inspection Office on the delivery note. Without this endorsement, delivery is not permitted on orders subject to government quality assurance.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Residual Magnetism

Magnetic field remaining in the component after contact with magnets or after magnetic particle testing.

Quenched-and-tempered martensitic steel holds onto a field once it has been imparted, and susceptibility rises with the hardness of the grade. It is the cause of arc blow and is therefore measured at incoming goods and before critical welds.

Related: Arc Blow

Reference book, Chapter 6.8, 29

Rockwell Hardness (HRC)

Hardness scale C, an alternative to Brinell hardness for very hard materials.

It is used mainly for the higher hardness classes of protective steel, where the Brinell scale reaches its limits. Depending on the manufacturer, both scales appear side by side in datasheets.

Related: Brinell Hardness (HBW)

Reference book, Chapter 27

Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA)

Rolled homogeneous armour, the lowest hardness class of protective steel.

In rulebooks such as MIL-DTL-12560 it serves as the reference against which other protective steels are ballistically compared. For a manufacturing company it is mainly relevant as a benchmark, not as a material procured in its own right.

Related: High Hardness Armour (HHA)

Reference book, Chapter 29

Security Clearance Check Act (SÜG)

Statutory basis for the security clearance check of individuals who handle classified matter.

For the lowest classification level, VS-NfD, no security clearance check is yet required, though a contractual undertaking is. From higher levels upward, a formal check under this Act is required.

Reference book, Chapter 27

SLV (Training and Research Institute for Welding Technology)

Regional GSI institution that acts as an accredited body under DIN 2303.

Locations such as Berlin-Brandenburg, Duisburg and Hannover carry out company audits and issue certificates. Berlin-Brandenburg is at the same time the seat of the civil coordination office.

Reference book, Chapter 15.9

Society for Welding Technology International (GSI)

Parent organisation of the civil coordination office and several accredited bodies under DIN 2303.

Through its SLV branches, GSI covers classes Q1, Q2 and Q4 itself, while Q3 is issued in cooperation with the Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition. The associated SLV Berlin-Brandenburg branch is at the same time the civil coordination office.

Reference book, Chapter 15.9, 27

Solid Carbide (VHM)

Tool material for the machining of high-strength steels.

In combination with internal coolant supply, it is the standard tool material for drilling armour steel. Indexable insert tools, by contrast, reach their limits sooner at greater drilling depths.

Related: Internal Coolant Supply (IKZ)

Reference book, Chapter 27

Springback

Elastic recovery of a plate's shape after bending.

It increases with the strength of the material and, for armour steel, is the dominant factor in the entire tolerance chain, often larger than plate thickness, cutting and weld distortion combined. It also differs by rolling direction and scatters between batches.

Reference book, Chapter 5, 13.5

Standardization Agreement (STANAG)

NATO standardisation agreement, among other things the basis for military vehicle protection testing.

STANAG 4569, together with AEP-55, sets out six protection levels for occupant protection in armoured land vehicles. For government quality assurance itself, STANAG 4107 is also relevant, as it governs the mutual recognition of AQAP inspection between NATO member states.

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

Steel Type L and H

Distinction by yield strength in EN 10029, decisive for the permissible flatness deviation.

Type L stands for lower yield strength, type H for higher, with armour steel always falling under type H because of its high strength. The permissible waviness for type H is twice that of type L.

Related: Flatness Class (EN 10029)

Reference book, Chapter 13.2, 29

Submerged Arc Welding (UP)

Mechanised arc welding process carried out under a protective layer of flux.

It allows high deposition rates and is used for long, straight welds. Because of its high heat input, it is only viable for armour steel with a carefully defined temperature regime.

Related: Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)

Reference book, Chapter 27

Submission Level

Scope of first article inspection, ranging from self-release to full on-site inspection by the customer.

The specific level follows from the order's quality assurance requirements code. The most demanding level means the customer personally attends the inspection at the company, which requires early scheduling.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Technical Delivery Conditions (TL)

Bundeswehr rulebooks that specify materials, processes and components for defense technology.

For armour steel, the TL 2350 series is mainly relevant, covering material and company approval and armoured housings. Approvals under these delivery conditions are generally tied to specific thickness ranges.

Reference book, Chapter 13.3, 27

Thickness Tolerance Class (EN 10029)

Four classes A to D that distribute the same tolerance range differently between plus and minus.

Class A distributes the range asymmetrically, staggered by nominal thickness; Class C sets the lower deviation limit to zero and puts the entire range on the plus side. For armour steel, thickness is a protective property, so for tight designs it is worth ordering to Class C.

Reference book, Chapter 13.2, 13.3

Three-Colour Camouflage Scheme

Standard Bundeswehr camouflage in bronze green, leather brown and tar black.

Besides its appearance, the coating must also meet requirements on the surface's infrared behaviour, which is why the paint used is not an ordinary industrial coating. For a company this means the coating system requires its own separate approval.

Reference book, Chapter 29

Undermatching

Condition in which the weld metal has lower strength than the base material.

For armour steel this often occurs with austenitic weld metal, whose strength is below that of the martensitic base material. This is not a defect in itself, but must be deliberately taken into account when selecting the filler metal.

Related: Carbon Equivalent (CET/CEV)

Reference book, Chapter 29

V50

Ballistic limit value at which the probability of penetration is 50 percent.

It is a statistical value derived from multiple firing trials, not a guarantee for any individual shot. The value is determined per batch and per thickness, and applies only to the tested plate in that condition.

Related: Multihit, Witness Plate

Reference book, Chapter 29

Vickers Hardness (HV)

Finer hardness scale, used among other things for microstructure examinations in the weld area.

Because of its small indentation, it is particularly suited to localised measurements, for example in the heat-affected zone of a weld. It is less common than Brinell hardness for routine incoming goods inspection.

Related: Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)

Reference book, Chapter 27

Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI)

Volatile corrosion protection released from film, paper or an emitter.

The active substance deposits on the metal surface and so also protects hard-to-reach areas during storage and transport. It is part of the standard preservation strategy for armour steel components.

Related: Three-Colour Camouflage Scheme

Reference book, Chapter 29

War Weapons Control Act (KrWaffKontrG)

Act that regulates the manufacture, acquisition and transport of weapons of war in addition to foreign trade law.

Certain goods falling under this Act are additionally covered by their own General Authorisation, which is time-limited. For armour components, the boundary between pure foreign trade law and this Act must be examined case by case.

Related: General Authorisation (AGG)

Reference book, Chapter 27, 28

Welding Engineer (SFI)

Highest qualification level for welding supervision under EN ISO 14731.

This qualification level is generally required for the most demanding component class, BK 1. Below it, welding specialist and welding foreman are available as less far-reaching levels.

Reference book, Chapter 15.6, 27

Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR)

Record demonstrating that a welding procedure specification is suitable for a specific production situation.

It must be representative of the base material, filler metal, geometry, thickness, joint type and welding position. Procedure qualifications are required for automated welding processes too, independent of the material.

Reference book, Chapter 15.3, 29

Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)

Welding instruction that sets out the parameters of a welding process.

It describes, among other things, the filler metal, preheat temperature and heat input, and must be backed by a procedure qualification. Before the first weld on a new component, it is checked whether a matching WPS even exists.

Reference book, Chapter 27

Welding Supervisor and Responsible Welding Supervisor (SAP/vSAP)

Person responsible for the welding organisation, with a deputy that must be named.

Both individuals are examined in the technical interview with the accredited body and named in the certificate. If a deputy is missing, there is no approval under DIN 2303, regardless of how well the production side is otherwise set up.

Reference book, Chapter 15.6

Witness Plate

Control material placed behind the test sample during a firing test.

It indicates whether penetration or spall has occurred on the back of the test sample. It is part of the standardised test setup for ballistic tests.

Related: V50

Reference book, Chapter 29

Reference values for guidance only, without warranty. Standard texts, manufacturer data and your own trials are binding.