Glossary

The table below lists various terms used on this website and their meanings or synonyms.

Term		Meaning and/or synonym
Adjustable	–	Adjustable hinges are hinges that can be adjusted, i.e. set as required, so that it leads to the required compression of the rubber.
Angle steel	–	Angle steel or angle profile is structural steel in angle form. Angle steel can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
Brass	–	Brass is also sometimes known as ‘yellow copper’. It is an alloy of mainly copper and zinc.
Central locking	–	Central locking is a mechanism that allows doors to be easily locked or unlocked. This involves the use of a lever or control wheel (a type of valve). We also find a similar application in manholes and hand-holes. This however refers to a version with a central bolt.
Coaming	–	A coaming is vertical plating around a cargo head or other opening in the deck with the aim of preventing water ingress.
Door hardware	–	Door hardware includes everything that is hung in and around a door. This could include door handles, hinges and locks.
Frame	–	A frame is a framework (usually made of angle steel) into which a door, window or the like can be fitted. This could include a door frame, which has the function that a door frame has in a home.
Galvanisation	–	Galvanisation is a technique used to coat a steel sheet with a layer of zinc (galvanisation), nickel (nickel plating) or chrome (chrome plating). This makes the material more corrosion-resistant and more shiny.
Lockbox	–	Toggle from a ‘QuickPin’ central-locking mechanism.
Manhole	–	A manhole is an opening that usually provides access to a tank. When we talk about manholes on this website, we mean the combination of a manhole ring, a manhole cover and a rubber gasket, possibly with bolts and, depending on the version, a coaming welded to the manhole ring.
Polishing	–	Polishing is an operation that makes the surface of a material smooth and shiny. This gives it a strong mirroring effect.
Powder coating	–	Powder coating is an electrostatic painting process in which powder is atomised onto a workpiece after which it is heated in a furnace. This creates an even layer of paint around the treated workpiece.
Press brake	–	Machine that bends sheet metal at the required angle and radius by applying pressure to the set top tool and bottom die. Activities using a press brake are referred to as edging, setting or bending.
Stainless steel	–	Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and chromium, and other elements. When the chromium comes into contact with oxygen, an oxide film is formed that protects the underlying metal from further rusting.
SigmaWeld	–	SigmaWeld 199 (formerly SigmaWeld MC) is a 2-component welding primer.
Surface treatment	–	Surface treatments of metals are techniques used to improve the properties of the outer layer of metal objects, such as corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, appearance and paint adhesion. Examples include galvanising, anodising and powder coating.
Watertight	–	In shipbuilding, ‘watertight’ means that a structure, component or space is designed and built to prevent water from entering, even under pressure or when fully submerged. This is crucial for ship safety and stability to prevent water from entering the inside of the vessel and causing damage or sinking the ship. Watertightness refers not only to preventing water from entering from outside, but also to preventing water from entering compartments / watertight bulkheads.
Weathertight	–	In shipbuilding, ‘weathertight’ means that a structure, component or space is protected against the ingress of rain, wind, and splashes of sea or river water from outside. It ensures that the inside of a vessel remains dry under normal weather conditions, but does not provide the same protection as ‘watertight’ against full immersion or heavy water pressure.