Plastic formwork, made from materials like polypropylene or polyethylene, is a lightweight and versatile alternative to traditional wooden and metal formwork. It’s particularly suitable for smaller projects and where intricate details or complex shapes are required.
What is Plastic Formwork?
Plastic building formwork is used to hold the freshly poured concrete in place until it reaches sufficient strength, then the formwork is removed and the wall is fully formed without any additional work. Plastic formwork is a new type of green and environmentally friendly product, and it is another new generation product after wood formwork, combined steel formwork, bamboo-wood glued formwork, and all-steel large formwork. Plastic formwork can completely replace traditional steel formwork, aluminum formwork system, wooden formwork, square wood, energy saving and environmental protection, and low amortization cost.
It can be recycled and remanufactured, with a large temperature adaptability range, strong specification adaptability, and easy use. The flatness and smoothness of the formwork surface exceed the technical requirements of the existing fair-faced concrete formwork. It can meet the requirements of various cuboid, cube, L-shaped and U-shaped building forms. Trico offers various plastic formwork systems, our plastic formwork products can be reused more than 100 times.
Key Advantages of Plastic Formwork:
- Lightweight: Plastic formwork is significantly lighter than wooden or metal forms, making it easier to handle and transport.
- Corrosion Resistance: Plastic is resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for environments where moisture or chemicals may be present.
- Versatility: Plastic forms can be molded into a wide range of shapes and sizes, allowing for intricate designs and architectural details.
- Reusable: While not as durable as metal, plastic formwork can be reused multiple times, especially for smaller projects.
Types of Plastic Formwork:
- Single-Use Plastic Formwork: This is the most affordable type, designed for a single use. It’s often used for small-scale projects or for creating temporary structures.
- Reusable Plastic Formwork: This type is designed to be reused multiple times. It’s typically more durable and has features like interlocking panels for easier assembly.
- Custom-Molded Plastic Formwork: For highly complex or unique shapes, plastic formwork can be custom-molded to meet specific requirements.
Formwork Process:
The process of using plastic formwork is similar to other types of formwork:
- Design and Planning: The formwork design is based on the architectural drawings and engineering calculations.
- Assembly: The plastic formwork panels are assembled on-site, using temporary supports and connectors.
- Reinforcement: Steel reinforcement bars (rebar) are placed within the formwork.
- Concrete Pouring: The concrete is poured into the formwork, ensuring proper compaction and leveling.
- Curing: The concrete is allowed to cure for a specified period.
- Stripping: Once the concrete has hardened, the plastic formwork is removed.
Best Practices for Plastic Formwork:
- Proper Handling: Handle plastic forms carefully to avoid damage or cracking.
- Cleaning: Clean plastic formwork after each use to remove any concrete residue or debris.
- Storage: Store plastic formwork in a protected area to prevent exposure to harsh weather conditions.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect plastic formwork for signs of wear or damage.
Plastic formwork offers a lightweight, versatile, and often cost-effective option for concrete construction. It’s particularly well-suited for smaller projects, intricate details, and environments where corrosion resistance is a concern. However, it may not be as durable as metal or wooden formwork, especially for large-scale projects or where heavy loads are involved.
