What is the difference between Formwork/Shuttering System and Mold System?
In the context of Precast Concrete production, the terms “Mold System” and “Shuttering System” are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are differences in their use and functional focus.
In general:
Formwork/Shuttering System mainly refers to components, such as side panels, profiles and retainers, that are used to shape the edges, openings and details of concrete elements on flat casting surfaces (e.g. production tables or pallets). These components usually need to be fixed to the casting surface and Magnetic technology plays a key role in this fixing process.
Mold or Mold System refers more to the structure used to define the overall shape and volume of the entire concrete element, especially when producing non-planar elements (e.g. columns, beams, staircases, balconies) or when using a vertical casting method (e.g. Battery mold to produce walls).
The following are specific descriptions:
- Formwork/Shuttering System.
“Formwork systems” or “shuttering” are used for the production of prefabricated parts.
These systems typically contain profiles and side rails, side parts, which are used to form the edges and recesses of concrete elements, such as window and door openings.
Magnetic technology is an important component of these Shuttering Systems and is used to secure these reusable formwork profiles and retainers on production tables (pallets) or in other types of formwork. For example, the QCM Shuttering Magnet is part of the Shuttering System and firmly presses the Shuttering System onto the formwork table.The Formwork System uses an integrated magnet that is activated by applying pressure to the top button, which secures the formwork in place and creates a high level of adhesion.QCM's Shuttering System and Magnet Box both have integrated or switchable magnets for securing formwork profiles and recesses.
Shuttering Systems are often described as reusable, with a focus on ease of handling and accuracy, and the ability to achieve precise dimensions (e.g., centimeter-level accuracy).
These systems are widely used in the production of solid walls, double walls, floor slabs, and other flat precast parts.
Automation (especially robotics) is commonly used to place and activate these Formwork Systems with integrated magnets.
- Mold/ Mold Systems.
Several specific types of “Mold”:
Battery mold/formwork: This is a structure used for the vertical production of walls (usually multiple walls at the same time). It consists of bulkheads and tensioning walls that can be hydraulically tensioned to hold the members in place. butterfly formwork is a development of the Battery mold that allows for preparation work to be done in a horizontal position and then folded and placed into the Battery mold for vertical pouring. This mold is capable of producing a five-sided smooth precast component.
Molds for columns and beams: Monolithic structures for the production of elongated members with a specific three-dimensional shape
Molds for balconies and staircases: Integral structures for the production of elements with complex three-dimensional shapes
Other stationary formwork units: In addition to tilting tables and battery molds, there are also molds for bar-shaped concrete components.
- Crossing and overlapping.
The term “formwork” can sometimes be generalized to refer to larger structures, such as "battery formwork.
In some cases, components of the Shuttering System may be used or integrated into a larger mold structure. For example, in a vertical production experiment for foam concrete walls, QCM's Magnetic Formwork and Precast Concrete Magnet were used to enclose the pouring compartments and ensure sealing to maintain foam stability.
Summary:
Shuttering System focuses on shaping the edges and internal openings of concrete elements on flat surfaces by means of side panels, profiles, etc. and securing them by means of magnets, etc. Mold, on the other hand, refers to the structure that defines the overall shape and volume of the whole element, especially in vertical production (battery mold) or in the production of non-planar elements (columns, beams, stairs, etc.) The Shuttering System is more of a “toolset” for shaping details and contours, while Mold is more of a structure that provides the overall “container” for the component. Magnetic technology is mainly associated with the Formwork System (especially when fixed to a flat steel production table), but may also be integrated into some of the components used to create details inside the mold.