The corrosion-resistant composite forms developed by SABIC and Meccano de Mexico replace heavy multi-piece steel forms. They are used to mould concrete panels for houses. On average, 500 panels are required for a typical row house.
The forms are available in a range of sizes: the average height is 1.1 m (3.7 ft) and widths of 20 cm (0.8 ft), 30 cm (1 ft) and 60 cm (2 ft)) are available.
“Using LNP Verton composite, our new concrete forms can give contractors exceptional benefits including significant time savings, easier handling and durability for repeated use," says Salvador Jalife Lozano, chief innovation and development officer, Meccano de Mexico.
"These moulds have the potential to change the way concrete panels are formed on the job site, helping to streamline construction and provide a competitive advantage for Meccano and its customers.”
Faster building at lower cost
The fabrication of traditional metal forms requires assembly of up to 30 different components and can take up to three hours. With their one-piece design, Meccano’s forms are ready in minutes, potentially allowing contractors to build homes more quickly and reduce overall costs.
In addition, LNP Verton compounds weight 20% less than aluminium and 40% less than carbon steel. This means the composite forms can be transported and maneuvered on site more easily and without the need for specialised equipment or cranes.
SABIC’s LNP Verton composite, featuring long glass fibre reinforcement, also provides the mechanical performance, including the dimensional stability, strength and resistance to humidity, needed for working with concrete.
