As the construction industry continues to innovate and develop, precast concrete is gaining increasing popularity due to its high efficiency and environmental friendliness. The application of magnet technology in precast concrete formwork systems is a significant innovation in the industry, bringing significant value to construction projects by streamlining the construction process, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. As the technology matures and its application expands, magnet systems are expected to become a standard practice in precast concrete construction in the future, making a significant contribution to promoting high-quality development in the construction industry.
What are Precast Concrete Magnets?
Precast concrete magnets are a relatively new type of concrete formwork magnet used in the construction industry. They are designed to securely fasten precast concrete forms and panels to steel beams and columns. Made from powerful permanent magnets, these magnets are lightweight yet strong enough to withstand weights of up to 2,100 kg, making them ideal for use in precast concrete plants.
Precast concrete magnets can be categorized into several different types depending on their specific use case:
1. Shutter Magnets (Formwork Magnets) – Formwork magnets are primarily used to secure side rails and blocks during the pouring of concrete onto stainless steel plates. The magnetic array exerts a strong attraction on the steel plates, enabling the opening and closing functions to be achieved by clamping the handle.
2. Magnetic Groove Formers – These magnets are used to create grooves and details in concrete, providing precise shaping solutions for various architectural elements.
3. Concrete Insert Magnets – Construction workers need to reserve various holes for switches and pipes, as well as pre-embedded connections and lifting cylinders. Insert magnets are used to secure these pre-embedded components. Their shape and principle are very similar to those of common pot-shaped neodymium magnets.
4. Embedded Sleeve Fixing Magnets – These magnets are specifically designed for creating various holes for switches and pipes in precast concrete components. For example, a 50 mm diameter, 10 mm thick fixing magnet with an M16 screw screws into the sleeve and can achieve a suction force of approximately 70 kg.
Using magnet technology offers several significant advantages for precast concrete construction:
💰 Reduced Costs and Improved Efficiency - Magnet systems can significantly reduce labor and material costs while improving installation efficiency. By eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners, contractors can save time and money, reducing labor costs.
🎯 Precise Positioning - Magnets can be easily and precisely positioned, eliminating the need for screws, bolts, and welding, while also preventing damage to the stainless steel surface.
🔄 Reusability - Magnet systems are reusable, resulting in a long service life and a short payback period. A set of pre-buried sleeve-mounted magnets can be used repeatedly over and over again, significantly reducing overall costs.
🏗️ Improved Safety - While ensuring safety, magnet technology significantly improves the work environment, making the construction process safer and more controllable.
🌱 Environmentally Friendly - Compared to traditional cast-in-place construction, precast construction inherently offers low pollution, low waste, and high efficiency. The use of magnet technology further enhances these environmental advantages.
How the Magnet System Works
The precast concrete magnet system utilizes strong magnetic forces to hold precast concrete components together, eliminating the need for traditional mortar or grout. This technology offers numerous advantages over traditional methods, including faster installation times, reduced labor costs, improved safety, and greater design flexibility.
To ensure the long-term performance and service life of the magnet system, proper care and maintenance are essential:
- Preventing Magnet Damage: Minimize damage to the magnets by avoiding external forces.
- Maintaining a Clean Working Surface: The working surface of the permanent magnet lifter's magnetic array should be clean and smooth.
- Ensuring Switching Flexibility: Protect the magnet's switching flexibility from being affected by foreign metal filings and concrete.
- Rust Prevention: Perform appropriate rust prevention measures, ensuring that the maximum operating temperature of the template magnets is less than 80°C.