This list contains technical terms relating to the manufacture of wet-cast concrete products. It doesn’t include general terms about setting up or running a manufacturing business. To make the most of this list, read the introduction, and consider using ChatGPT to explore the terms.
The basics of concrete for wet-casting
- Cement types
- Aggregates: stone types and shapes
- Sand types
- Sieve analysis
- Water-cement ratio
- Concrete mix design
- Compressive strength, also called MPa (megapascal) strength
- Concrete additives, e.g., plasticisers and superplasticisers
- Pigments for concrete
The production process
- The difference between wet-cast and dry-press concrete products
(Our moulds are for wet-cast manufacturing) - Mixing methods
- Mould filling
- Vibration (Mould vibration timing and technique)
- Concrete curing methods
- Demoulding
- Stacking and delivering wet-cast concrete products
- Cleaning and oiling moulds
Manufacturing equipment
- Concrete mixers (drum or pan mixers)
- Filling and receiving stations
- Vibration equipment
- Curing: racks and controlled areas
- Storage and delivery equipment and materials (e.g., pallets, wrapping, lifting equipment)
- Scales
Moulds for wet-casting
Mould types
- Plastic moulds
- Polypropylene moulds
- Fibreglass moulds
- Silicone moulds
- Cast-iron moulds
- Polyurethane moulds (This is the type we supply)
Working with moulds
- Mould release oil types (e.g., barrier oil versus reactive oil)
- Cleaning moulds (Learn about surfactants, and why to avoid materials that contain them)
- Storing moulds
Developing your range
If you haven’t already done so, read the introduction to this list, and consider using ChatGPT to explore the terms.