Anodizing (or sometimes eloxation): surface treatments (conversion type) used to protect or decorate an aluminium grating through anodic oxidation (electrically insulating layer of 5 to 50 micrometres). This process gives it improved resistance to wear, corrosion and heat.

Cross bars (or transverse bars or spacers): inserted perpendicularly into the bearing bars (by pressing for press locked grating in the form of flat bars, or by electric resistance welding for press welded grating with a twisted square cross-section), they ensure the bearing bars are held in place.

Bearing bars : flat bars (metal strips) directly supporting the load, notched to accommodate the cross bars perpendicularly.

Border: grating frame made as a flat or "T"-shaped profile (for press locked grating only) welded to its cross bars and bearing bars. It provides the aesthetic finish of the grating and increases the rigidity of its structure.

Cataphoresis (or cationic electrodeposition / e-coating) : finishing process consisting of immersing the grating in a bath of water-soluble paint, with the part acting as cathode. The paint particles suspended in the bath migrate to the metal surface via an electric current. The paint then deposits uniformly over the entire surface of the immersed part. Finally, the paint is drained and polymerised in an oven at approximately 180°C.

Support angle: angle iron welded to one or more ends of the grating. This element is used in specific applications (shelving, channel drainage, etc.).

Serrating: configuration of the bearing bars and/or cross bars featuring notches on the load-bearing face. This provides anti-slip properties to the grating when safety conditions require it. The grating can be serrated in one or two directions (bearing bars and/or cross bars).

Hold-down clip: curved clamp used to fix grating panels by clamping, without drilling or welding. It avoids weakening the support structure.

Electric resistance welding: welding technique using electrical processes to generate heat. Used in the assembly of press welded grating, it fuses the twisted square cross bars to the bearing bars. The connections are uniform and reinforce the joint point.

Step side plate (or step cheek): flat, pre-drilled metal plate positioned between the lateral parts of a step and the stringers. It serves to fix the step to the stringers (lateral structures of a staircase).

Galvanizing: patented by French engineer Stanislas Sorel in 1837, hot-dip galvanizing is used to protect steel grating against corrosion. Immersed in a bath of molten zinc at approximately 450°C, the grating gains improved waterproofing and mechanical resistance.

Toeboard: flat bar (metal strip) welded to the outer part of the grating. It is used primarily to secure the passage of people when the site configuration requires it.

Mesh: spacing separating the bearing bars from the cross bars. Dimensions are expressed in mm (e.g.: BB x CB mm). The first dimension corresponds to the spacing between bearing bars. The second corresponds to the spacing between cross bars.

Large panel: generally rectangular grating panel without border (press locked grating) or bordered on the length only (press welded grating). This configuration allows for re-cutting before installation. Fiberglass grating panels are fully bordered.

Step nosing: both a finishing and protection element, it is placed at the step edge (the protruding part). It acts as a shock absorber in case of a fall and extends the lifespan of steps by protecting their most heavily stressed area. Non-slip and generally rounded, it prevents slipping on the way down and ensures a secure footing on the way up.

Panel: press locked or press welded grating fully framed (bordered on all 4 sides).

Layout drawing: plan or elevation drawing of the arrangement of gratings to compose an assembly or cover a surface. It precisely defines the elements (type, quantities) and their arrangement (taking into account corners or junctions in particular). Furthermore, it is essential for evaluating the materials and products required for a project: cost estimation, order preparation and cutting optimisation.

Fixing plate: welded to the mesh of the lower part of the grating (generally 4 per panel), this small pre-drilled metal plate allows it to be fixed to its support in an "invisible" manner. Fixing plates are widely used in the construction of grating facades.

Upstand: flat bar (metal strip) welded to the outer part of the grating. It is used in particular to promote drainage in environments subject to hydrodynamic constraints.

Gritted surface coating: granular, anti-slip surface treatment adapted to the safety requirements of people (reduced mobility users, public venues, industry, etc.). This finish is reserved for resin-based products (fiberglass grating in particular).

Powder coating: finishing process consisting of applying a powder paint by electrostatic spraying. It is then polymerised in an oven at 200°C to produce a film. This technique allows for a simple, eco-friendly application for uniform and durable finishes on metal grating. With an aesthetic and design dimension, powder coating is popular in the architectural sector.