Shuttering magnets and magnetic formwork for reinforced concrete: description and structural features.

Equipment for manufacturing reinforced concrete forms using magnetic formwork includes:

• Steel table
• Shuttering magnets
• Borders (wooden or steel plates)
• Fastening systems, adapters
• Maker of emptiness

​Depending on the complexity of the manufactured products, other components may also be used.

Shuttering magnets and magnetic formwork for reinforced concrete slab are used in manufacturing plants for the production of reinforced concrete such as pavement and road slabs, supports and beams, gutters, fences, stairs, columns and more.

The use of magnetic formwork allows for a reduction in the use of expensive resources such as time and labor. According to customer reviews, work can be completed two to three times faster compared to other formwork systems.

Companies that use magnetic formwork appreciate its compactness, ergonomics, light weight, ease of assembly and disassembly, versatility, durability, reliability, and strength.

​Technical specifications to consider when purchasing a magnetic formwork:

Shuttering magnets and magnetic formwork for reinforced concrete are designed for durability and long-term use, with components made from strong materials that can withstand various temperatures, humidity, contamination, mechanical damage, and high loads. However, different companies have different requirements, so it is necessary to choose the equipment according to its technical characteristics:

• Magnetic blocks, shuttering magnets. When choosing, the size, clamping force, and pitch distance are taken into account. There are standard sizes available, but manufacturing to any parameters can also be requested. The detachment force value can reach 2,400 kg.

• Fastening elements. They can be one-sided, two-sided, or corner. They are installed in the system using bolts and special clamps. Brackets and adapters vary in height and weight.

• Formwork panels differ in length, height, and cross-section. Depending on the type of working surface of the formwork panel, a groove, crest, or bevel can be formed on the end of the concrete product. The design of the formwork panel can include a mechanism for fastening to a steel formwork table, loops/handles for hoisting, and other components.

• Void formers for concrete: are designed to form technological openings and openings in reinforced concrete products. Magnetic boxes and washers are used for their installation, ensuring accuracy and reliable fixation. Important characteristics of opening formers include robotic or manual possitioning, the presence of formwork chemfers, seals, and lifting elements. These products can be of different sizes and configurations.

• Chamfer, hinge formers, and washers are used to form openings in reinforced concrete. They differ in shapes, sizes, weight, detachment force value, and are equipped with a built-in magnetic system.

​To calculate the required number of shuttering magnets for formwork,

you need to consider several factors, including the length and height of the formwork and concrete element, the magnetic force, and the distance between the shuttering magnets. Additionally, you should take into account the potential mechanical stress on the formwork, such as vibrations and concrete pressure.

Based on these factors, you can estimate the number of required shuttering magnets. However, it’s important to keep in mind that magnets can lose their properties under certain conditions, and if the environmental conditions, excessive stress on the system or dirtiness of shuttering magnets can affect the performance of the formwork, then the magnetic formwork should be adjusted accordingly.

​The installation of a magnetic formwork system for reinforced concrete structures involves

a preliminary design stage where necessary components are selected based on the type of concrete product being produced. Some models of shuttering magnetic have threaded holes on each side, allowing them to be attached to adapters on one side and to the formwork table on the other side. A special activation button on the shuttering magnet is used to activate and deactivate the magnetic system, and specific tools such as a rubber hummer and release tool for magnets are required to do so.

After the formwork has been assembled, the concrete is casted into the form and any necessary void formers or magnetic inserts for concrete are installed. Once the concrete has fully cured, the components of the system are removed.

​Advantages of magnetic formwork compared to other similar constructions:

The use of shuttering magnets and magnetic formwork for producing of reinforced concrete products allows for improved productivity and income for any prefabrication concrete production enterprise, as this type of construction is characterized by:

• Versatility. With its help, it is possible to produce a batch of products of any shape and size, and therefore realize any non-standard project.

• Convenience. Assembly and disassembly of the system do not require special efforts, skills, or time. When changing tasks, the magnetic formwork system can be easily and quickly dismantled.

• Low cost. When using shuttering magnets, it is not need to weld formwork shuttering edge to the steel table and no necessary to clean the formwork table with a grinder, and systematically repair expensive equipment.

• Precision of the sizes of finished products. Thanks to reliable fixation, the produced reinforced concrete structures have a strictly defined size and shape.

In addition, using magnetic formwork, the enterprise significantly saves on the maintenance of such a system, minimizes the time spent by employees on installation/dismantling, and increases productivity and income.

​Service life of a magnetic formwork

Magnets and magnetic formwork for reinforced concrete are manufactured taking into account the conditions in which they will be used. However, violation of usage rules, storage, lack of technical maintenance, and other reasons can lead to equipment failure. The service life is influenced by:

• The qualifications of the specialist who developed the project and performed all calculations.

• Compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding storage, installation, and use.

• The degree and frequency of loading.

• The quality and regularity of maintenance (cleaning, lubrication, etc.).

In general, when the rules specified in the instruction manual are followed, the magnetic formwork does not change its characteristics and mechanical properties for a long time.