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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-02 Origin: Site
As precast concrete construction continues to grow globally for its speed, quality, and cost-efficiency, shuttering magnets have become indispensable tools in modern formwork systems. These powerful and reusable devices are revolutionizing how contractors secure formwork in factories and job sites alike—improving efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability.
Shuttering magnets are high-performance magnetic assemblies designed to securely hold formwork or side rails in place during precast concrete molding. Housed in protective steel boxes, they typically contain neodymium magnets—the strongest permanent magnets commercially available—and an easy-to-use activation/deactivation mechanism such as a push-button or lever.
Unlike traditional mechanical fasteners, shuttering magnets don’t require welding, drilling, or clamping—making them ideal for repeatable, flexible, and damage-free positioning on steel casting beds.
In a typical building shuttering magnet system, multiple magnets are integrated with steel side rails or formwork beams that define the shape of the concrete element. Here's a simplified workflow:
Placement: Operators position the formwork on the steel table and activate the magnets, which lock the shuttering beam in place with several hundred to several thousand newtons of holding force.
Pouring and Curing: Concrete is poured into the mold. The magnets prevent movement or shifting even under vibration.
Deactivation and Reuse: Once the concrete sets, the magnets are disengaged using a manual lever or lifting tool. The entire system is removed and reused for the next mold.
These systems are commonly used in the production of walls, columns, floor slabs, staircases, and other architectural or structural concrete components.
With shuttering magnets, you can position and reposition formwork with millimeter-level accuracy, reducing the risk of dimensional errors in the finished product. This is especially important in modular construction where prefabricated parts must fit together seamlessly.
Compared to welding or bolting formwork, magnets are faster to install and remove. An entire mold setup can be completed in minutes rather than hours, significantly boosting daily production capacity.
No holes, heat, or mechanical stress is applied to the steel casting table or formwork. This prolongs the life of your equipment and minimizes repair costs over time.
Shuttering magnets work with multiple mold types and dimensions. You can create custom layouts, curved forms, or irregular shapes without needing specialized tools or long lead times.
The absence of grinding, welding, or heavy mechanical equipment contributes to quieter, cleaner, and safer working conditions—essential for modern factory-based construction.
When selecting shuttering magnets for your building or precast facility, consider these key parameters:
The force required depends on the height and weight of the shuttering as well as the concrete pressure. Standard options range from 450 kgf to 2100 kgf or more. Make sure to calculate the appropriate force to prevent shifting under vibration.
Compact magnets are useful for tight or curved applications, while long rectangular magnets work best for flat-panel production. Your system should match the geometry of your precast components.
Choose magnets with a durable, easy-to-use mechanism—such as a push-button or toggle. Some models come with replaceable footplates or rubber seals to reduce impact.
Ensure the magnet system integrates well with your existing formwork beams or side rails. Some suppliers offer custom solutions or adapter plates for legacy equipment.
Shuttering magnets are used extensively in the following areas:
Precast Wall Panels: Both solid and sandwich panels benefit from fast, accurate shuttering.
Floor and Roof Slabs: Magnets maintain precise alignment under heavy concrete loads.
Column and Beam Casting: Secure mold sides even under vibration.
Staircases and Custom Geometry: Easily reposition magnets for irregular forms.
Architectural Elements: Reproducible forms for facades, window frames, and more.
With the rise of digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 in construction, many shuttering magnet systems are now integrated into automated precast lines. Robots or gantry systems place and activate the magnets based on CAD designs, enabling fast, repeatable setups without manual labor.
Automated magnet systems are also capable of:
Reading RFID tags or barcodes for batch traceability
Adjusting magnet positions dynamically based on design updates
Syncing with production management systems for scheduling and QA
Such integration reduces errors, enhances productivity, and prepares your operation for data-driven manufacturing.
Sustainability is no longer a bonus—it's an industry benchmark. As construction companies face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, lower waste, and comply with ESG regulations, shuttering magnets offer a practical path forward. Their contribution to eco-conscious building practices is both measurable and long-lasting.
Eliminating Welding: Traditional formwork often requires time-consuming welding, generating toxic fumes and consuming significant energy. Shuttering magnets completely eliminate this need, improving both environmental and workplace air quality. No sparks, no fumes, and no damage to casting beds.
Reducing Material Waste: Because shuttering magnets are non-invasive, they don’t damage the formwork or steel tables. There are no drilled holes, cut marks, or surface wear—resulting in longer-lasting molds and fewer replacements. This translates into lower consumption of raw materials and better preservation of factory assets.
Minimizing Energy Use: The simplicity of magnet-based setup reduces labor intensity and energy spent on equipment like grinders or welding torches. Faster mold preparation and disassembly also shorten the production cycle, lowering electricity usage and reducing idle time.
Enabling Reuse: Built with high-strength neodymium cores and reinforced housings, quality shuttering magnets are designed to last for thousands of casting cycles. This durability makes them a cost-effective and environmentally responsible choice, especially compared to disposable fastening alternatives.
Less Noise and Dust Pollution: Without grinding or welding, noise levels are reduced and dust is minimized—improving the overall factory environment and reducing the need for air filtration systems.
Together, these benefits directly support green building certifications like LEED, BREEAM, or China’s Three-Star Rating System, while helping companies stay aligned with international ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) targets. In short, adopting shuttering magnets is not just about efficiency—it's a strategic investment in the future of sustainable construction.
To keep your shuttering magnets in optimal condition:
Clean regularly: Remove concrete splatter and dust after each use.
Store properly: Keep in dry areas away from corrosive materials.
Check the magnetic face: Avoid impact or scratches that reduce contact strength.
Inspect release mechanisms: Make sure push buttons or levers are functional and lubricated if needed.
A well-maintained magnet system can serve for 5–10 years with consistent performance.
Higher force-to-size ratios using next-generation neodymium materials
Smart magnets with sensors to detect contact pressure or alignment
Eco-friendly coatings that resist corrosion without toxic chemicals
Modular designs that adapt to changing building methods like 3D concrete printing
As demand for speed, quality, and precision continues to rise, expect magnetic systems to become more intelligent, compact, and durable.
If your company works with precast concrete components, especially in a factory environment, investing in a reliable building shuttering magnet system can dramatically improve your production process. From time savings to sustainability and precision, the advantages are substantial and measurable.
To learn more about innovative shuttering magnet solutions tailored to your project needs, consider exploring the range of products and technical expertise offered by Ningbo Shine Magnetic Technology Co., Ltd.. Their experience in manufacturing high-performance magnetic systems can help your business stay competitive in the evolving world of precast construction.
