Elematic’s FaMe
versatile wall shuttering system makes precast wall production more
cost-efficient, needs half the amount of wood normally required and reduces
wood wastage. The FaMe is suitable for table molds, battery molds, and column
as well as pillar production. The system comprises of push-button magnets and
aluminum side forms and comes with many benefits – from high quality results
and cost-efficient production to safe working methods and beyond.
Why to use aluminum and magnets?
If the goal is to
produce straight-edged precast concrete wall panels with low production costs,
FaMe provides the means. By installing the side profiles with magnets that are
easily attached and removed from the table surfaces. This eliminates the need
for welding, bolting or grinding, hence, your table surfaces will remain in
good condition and you can produce panels without damaging the tables. Also,
with the one and the same frame system you can handle most wall thicknesses,
from 70 – 500 mm, with accessories even up to 800 mm.
Steel and wood are
commonly used as side forms in wall panel production – both of which have some
significant downsides: steel is heavy and wood needs to be thrown away after
usage.
Improve quality and save money
With aluminum side
profiles, serious savings can be achieved by decreasing the amount of waste
wood. For example, if you spend 2.5 km of plywood monthly, you will half the
wood purchases. Aluminum is a recyclable material and you can cast directly on
to it, so you would need to buy only plywood if needed. At the plywood price of
1 euro (R51.65 approx) per meter, this would mean savings at the wood cost of
approximately 15,000 euros (R234,750.00 approx) in a year.
Furthermore, if you
use wooden profiles, it’s likely that the panels will not come out as straight
as they could, because of the challenges faced with wood and water. Everyone
who is familiar with using the wood side forms, knows how hard it is to adjust wet
wood straight and in a 90˚ corner. If you try to adjust them by hammering the
magnet, it’s a health risk for both, the employee and the magnet.
Safe and easy to use
The magnets and side
forms are extremely easy and safe to use compared to other shuttering systems.
Less finger injuries will occur because the push-button and the housing of the
magnet have been designed to give you a smart cover against any injuries. It
allows you to use the magnet safely without the possibility of getting hurt –
the supplied user Instructions must be followed to ensure the correct
procedures are followed! In addition, you won’t stumble on the magnets because
of their green color, which works as an attention color at the factory hall.
The aluminum side forms can be lifted without cranes, because they are safe and
light enough to lift with manpower. Hence bottle-neck effects are avoided and
productivity is enhanced at the factory.
The FaMe system also
makes it easy to prepare the edges and window or door openings on tables or
battery molds, as you just put the side forms to the desired places and attach
them to the mold with push-button magnets. You can easily move the magnets by
sliding them on the surface before pushing the button for attachment. The
magnets can be placed wherever you want, because of the patented and compatible
jaw groove of the side forms and the magnets.
How to remove, in case
of attaching them to the wrong place or after casting? Simply use the releasing
tool. Just attach it to the magnet and push the handle to remove it from the
mold. If you are new to using magnets and side forms in your wall production,
Elematic is able to guide you on the best working methods.
Do you have doubts
about the material, aluminum? You can use it like you would use wooden side
forms, hence you don’t need to worry about cutting it – it’s possible with a
miter saw. The aluminum side forms are like Lego blocks, which you can attach
to each other when needed. Only a connection piece is required.
How to maintain them in good
condition?
Just like maintaining
your car or any other piece of production equipment at the factory, the magnets
and side forms need maintenance. When kept in good shape and used as advised,
the magnets will last for over a decade. What you should do is to always clean
them after usage. Also, while oiling the molds, reserve some for the magnets as
well for easier cleaning. The magnets can also be repaired if needed, spare
parts are always in stock, ready for quick deliveries.
How to start using FaMe shuttering?
Nobody buys a car
without a test drive; hence, if you are interested, a free trial of Elematic
magnets and side forms could be organised for you with a money-back guarantee.
A good way to start would be, for example, to purchase only push-button magnets
and use your local wood side forms with FaMe aluminum adapter plates. This is
an easy jump to the new system, and the next step could be trying the aluminum
side forms for shuttering or in the windows and doors. Elematic will also guide
you on the most efficient ways of using the system.
Consistent quality of
wall panels with safer working methods and a decreased amount of used wood is
what can be achieved with FaMe shuttering. You will save in production costs;
factory personnel will have safer equipment to use and your customers will
thank you for the straight wall panels!
Elematic, based in
Finland, is regarded as a world leader in the supply of precast concrete
production technologies.
More information from Nina Lehtonen, email: nina.lehtonen@elematic.com