Design

Does anyone here use RAL colors on a regular basis? Just came across them on a project and curious about their primary usage space. 

Also, their branding is confusing.

architect // if you're building consumer or b2b products in the design or construction space, let's chat! // icbk.me/huugo.fc // seemore.tv/free/fc/huugo.eth

Yes, I/we do sometimes, but it is not really intentional. 
Our customers/partners choose colors and they are mostly labeled as RAL tones. It’s easier than to choose the materials with the right color tone.

Sapiens qui prospicit - Wannabe Polymath. Interested in art, music, history, philosophy and religion.

They are mainly used when the designer has certain ideas about the color and the manufacturer has to find the right color that matches the designer's ideas. With RAL, you can be sure that you have the right color for different materials. It is simply a certified color system that is supported by many material manufacturers.

Yes, right. Paint, coatings, fabrics, plastics, etc. 
It’s widely used, in the interaction between designers and manufacturers. You can be certain/ mostly certain that the surface has the right shade of color.

It’s German  „Reichsausschuss für Lieferbedingungen“ (RAL) - "Imperial Committee for Terms of Delivery"  

We Germans love our rules and norms 😉

Oh that is interesting. A single source of color truth. 

What kind of materials? Just metal (that’s where I’m coming across it) or all sorts - fabric, furniture, paint?

You’re based in Europe right? Wonder if it’s more widely used there.