Production of concrete slabs in a formwork-free manner using an extruder

A concrete slab extruder is a machine that has found a wide application in the production of prestressed hollow core concrete slabs. Let’s take a closer look at this method. The construction industry is entering a new era with the introduction of advanced technologies that not only increase production efficiency but also improve the quality of the final product. One such innovative method is the production of concrete slabs without the use of formwork, accomplished with the help of an extruder.

What is formwork-free concrete slab production?

Traditionally, creating concrete slabs required formwork, a time-consuming and expensive procedure. However, with the development of technology, a method has emerged that eliminates the need for formwork and molds. This method is based on the use of special equipment known as an extruder.

Extrusion technology

What is extrusion? Extrusion is a method of producing high quality hollow core slabs. It produces lighter slabs with a lower water-cement ratio and allows concrete to cure quickly.

• Benefits of extrusion:
  • Material savings: The extruder produces lightweight prestressed slabs due to the higher void density. This reduces concrete mix consumption and saves on transportation and installation costs.
  • Concrete compaction: The powerful screw system and the combination of rotary, reciprocating and oscillating movements of the machine allow the extruder to compact concrete to a greater extent than formwork. This reduces the amount of cement and water used, increases the strength of the concrete and shortens the setting time.

Products produced with the extruder

• Extruded concrete hollow core floor slabs: These pre-stressed hollow core concrete slabs serve as floor slabs in buildings. They are highly durable and lightweight, making them an ideal choice for a variety of structures.

Advantages of Formwork-free Production

Producing concrete slabs without the use of extruder formwork offers a number of significant advantages:

1. Time and resource savings: No need to build and dismantle formwork significantly reduces production time and reduces material and labor costs.
2. Improved quality: Formwork-free production allows for more accurate and uniform slabs, which improves the quality of the final product and reduces the likelihood of defects.
3. Environmental Sustainability: Less material and energy use makes this method more environmentally sustainable and energy efficient than traditional production methods.
4. Design flexibility: Extruders can create slabs of different shapes, sizes and textures, giving designers and architects more freedom to realize their ideas.

Formwork-free concrete slab production using an extruder is an innovative approach to production that combines efficiency, quality and environmental sustainability. This method promises to change industry standards and be an important step towards a more sustainable and innovative future for the construction sector. The use of extrusion technology allows manufacturers to produce higher quality products and extruders are becoming indispensable tools in modern construction.