Welding, Magnets, or Hot Melt? Comparing Precast Mold Fixing Methods
The welding, magnet and hot melt in the prekast die respond to different production scenarios. Welding high mechanical strength; magnet fast and reusable fixing; special hot melt can offer very material and flexible positioning advantage. The right decision is not given by the only holding force.
Source
Welding provides a strong and rigid connection in steel mold. In response to qualified labor, safety measure, smoke management and grinding during dismantling may require. The heat effect can break the mold surface; it can not be used in every insert or foam element. The preparation time can increase in variable geometry and frequent model change.
Magnet
Magnet systems offer quick positioning and reuse in steel mold. The first investment requires storage and maintenance; it can affect the surface of concrete residue retention. Access limit can occur in non-ferrous die or very small, complex details. The holding capacity should be evaluated not only with the catalog force, but with the actual surface and load direction.
Special hot melt
Hot melt designed for prekast; wood, foam, plastic or metal details can quickly fix the appropriate mold surface. No drilling or welding mark and no residue after removal can be cleaned. However, hot application training, accurate grammar and crystallization behavior suitable for casting-casting time of the product.
Decision matrix
Methods of installation time, consumable per piece, reusable, security, mold damage, dismantle-cleaning time and production flexibility. The magnet for heavy side molds even in one factory can be the most efficient result of a hybrid approach such as hot melt and permanent steel assemblies for small details.
Application control list
- Determine the holding load and direction.
- Verify surface condition with die material.
- Measure installation and dismantling times with chronometer.
- Rate the risk of security and mold damage.
- Evaluate hybrid scenario instead of one method.
Conclusion
Welding, magnet and hot melt are not absolute alternative to each other. The combination of methods used correctly according to geometry and cycle can provide the lowest total process cost.
Manstechnic approach
Manstechnic compares Casttec solution from pilot trial, which can be measured by existing methods.