What Are Precast Magnetic Formers?

Precast Magnetic Formers are specially designed construction magnets that utilize magnetic attraction to secure precast frames and precast concrete accessories onto iron or steel plates. By offering stronger holding force compared to mechanical fasteners, they stabilize formwork components more reliably during the casting process. Their user-friendly design allows contractors to position and reposition formers more flexibly, reducing installation time and minimizing labor costs. Ideal for a variety of precast concrete applications, these magnetic formers enhance on-site safety by eliminating loose hardware. Engineered for durability, they deliver longer service life under demanding production environments, making them a superior alternative for modern precast concrete fabrication.

Composition

Each Precast Magnetic Former consists of two primary components: a high-strength magnet core and an outer casing material selected based on functional requirements. The magnet is manufactured from premium rare-earth alloys to achieve stronger magnetic attraction, ensuring more reliable grip on steel plate surfaces even under heavy load conditions. Surrounding the magnet, the external shell can be customized using iron, rubber, plastic, or composite materials. An iron casing enhances durability in abrasive environments, making it more resistant to wear during repetitive mounting and demounting. Rubber coatings provide a softer interface against fragile surfaces, reducing the risk of marring paint or delicate finishes. Meanwhile, plastic housings offer corrosion-resistant properties, making them more suitable for wetter or chemically aggressive conditions. In some applications, composite materials combine the advantages of multiple substrates, yielding a more versatile solution for diverse production scenarios.

The design of the outer casing also accounts for ergonomic handling and safety. Larger units feature molded grips that are more comfortable for operators to maneuver, while smaller formers can be streamlined for use in tight spaces between reinforcing bars. Each casing is precision-machined to fit the magnet core snugly, preventing unwanted movement that could compromise magnetic force. Some models even integrate indicator labels or molded protrusions to help workers align formers more quickly, speeding up installation.

Internally, the magnet core undergoes a specialized magnetization process that makes its magnetic field orientation stronger and more uniform. This consistent magnetic flux ensures that each former provides more predictable performance across its entire surface area. To protect the magnet from corrosion and mechanical impact, the core is often sealed inside the casing with industrial-grade adhesives or resin. The combined effect of these design choices leads to Precast Magnetic Formers that are not only stronger and more durable than conventional alternatives but also more adaptable to various precast concrete accessory types and production workflows, effectively positioning them as a more efficient choice for modern precast fabrication.

Applications of Precast Magnetic Formers

Precast Magnetic Formers enable more versatile placement of precast frames and accessories, streamlining production across diverse concrete components and industries.

Fixing the Frame of Precast Concrete

Precast magnetic formers offer a stronger, more flexible solution for securing precast concrete panel frames to steel foundations. By simply positioning the magnetic formers at each frame connection, installers eliminate the need to use bolts or clamps, which reduces installation time. This approach is particularly useful on large precast jobs where more consistent alignment is critical to ensure panels remain level and stable throughout the pouring and curing phases.

Lifting Pins

Precast Magnetic Formers simplify the installation of lifting pins by holding them securely during the concrete casting process. Workers place the lifting pins in designated recesses on the form panel and then attach a magnetic former behind the steel template. Compared to mechanical fasteners, these magnetic mounts offer faster placement and repositioning, making them ideal for high-volume production where minimizing cycle time is more critical.

Spread Anchors

For spread anchors used in connecting precast elements, Precast Magnetic Formers offer a more efficient attachment method. The magnetic formers hold the anchor plates firmly against the steel forming bed, preventing misalignment during concrete placement. This reduces the risk of anchor displacement, leading to more accurate alignment of embedded hardware. As a result, installers experience fewer adjustments and faster turnaround, improving overall fabrication throughput.

Precast Sockets

Precast sockets require precise positioning to ensure compatibility with service conduits and structural connections. By using Precast Magnetic Formers, manufacturers can attach socket frames more rapidly than traditional mechanical brackets. A magnetic former placed on the steel bedplate holds the socket housing at the exact location, ensuring it stays in place during casting. This more dependable fixation reduces defects and scrap, optimizing production yield.

Electric Socket Boxes

When embedding electric socket boxes within precast panels, Precast Magnetic Formers enable more reliable placement against steel templates. The magnetic force maintains constant contact, preventing unwanted shifts as concrete is poured. This results in cleaner cutouts and more accurate integration of electrical fixtures. Since formers can be lifted and repositioned easily, electricians and mold technicians achieve faster cycle times and reduce rework, enhancing project profitability.

Metal Corrugated Pipe

Metal corrugated pipe sleeves embedded in precast concrete benefit from the consistent holding strength of Precast Magnetic Formers. By affixing a magnetic former behind the corrugated pipe template, installers ensure that the sleeve remains stationary throughout casting. This prevents deformation or displacement caused by concrete pressure. The easier removal of formers after cure also minimizes damage to the corrugated pipe, ensuring better alignment for post-installation plumbing or wiring.

Differences Compared to Ordinary Recess Formers

Compared to standard Recess Formers, Precast Magnetic Formers offer more mobility, durability, ease of use, and application versatility overall.

1. Free Fixing and Mobility

Unlike ordinary Recess Formers that require bolts or screws to secure them and remain fixed, Precast Magnetic Formers can be freely mounted and repositioned on the steel bedplate. This more flexible approach eliminates the need for drilling or additional hardware, enabling workers to adjust form placement more quickly. The result is a more efficient workflow where form adjustments happen faster and with less effort.

2. Longer Lifespan

Because Precast Magnetic Formers use premium rare-earth magnets sealed within protective casings, they exhibit a longer service life compared to standard Recess Formers that rely on mechanical parts prone to wear. Over time, mechanical fasteners may loosen, bend, or corrode, leading to more frequent replacements. By contrast, magnetic formers resist abrasion and corrosion more effectively, delivering a more durable solution that reduces overall maintenance costs.

3. Simplified Installation and Removal

Installation and removal become simpler with Precast Magnetic Formers since workers only need to place or lift the formers without handling nuts, bolts, or wrenches. This more straightforward process reduces the number of tools required on-site and minimizes the risk of losing small hardware components. The result is faster setup and teardown time, allowing teams to allocate labor toward other value-added tasks instead.

4. More Flexible Application Scenarios

Precast Magnetic Formers provide more flexible application scenarios because they can adapt to different precast concrete designs without custom drilling patterns. Contractors can use the same magnetic formers to fabricate various panel types, from wall segments to architectural facades, without modifying existing molds. This versatility streamlines tool inventory and simplifies production planning, making it more cost-effective for manufacturers handling multiple precast product lines.

5. Higher Price

Although Precast Magnetic Formers come with a higher price tag than traditional Recess Formers, the total lifecycle cost can be more favorable due to fewer replacements and lower labor expenses. The initial investment in magnetic formers pays off through reduced downtime, less maintenance, and faster production cycles. For high-volume operations, the improved productivity often offsets the premium cost, delivering more value over time.

How Do They Work?

Precast Magnetic Formers use magnetic adhesion to hold form components in place during casting, streamlining placement and removal steps consistently.

1. Position Precast Frame

First, the frame of the precast concrete element is positioned on a steel plate base, ensuring it aligns with the production layout. Workers check the frame orientation, making sure each edge meets the required design tolerance. The steel bedplate must be clean and flat so the magnetic formers can adhere more securely, preventing any misalignment during the subsequent attachment process.

2. Place Magnetic Formers

Next, operators place different types of Precast Magnetic Formers at designated locations on the steel bedplate, based on the accessory or frame recess required. Each former should be matched to its respective function—whether securing lifting inserts, anchors, or conduit sleeves—to ensure more precise positioning. Technicians verify that the magnets are flush against the plate to maximize holding force and prevent movement under load.

3. Pour Concrete

Then, concrete is carefully poured into the formwork, covering the frame and accessories held by magnetic formers. During this pouring stage, the magnetic pull remains strong, preventing formers and embedded items from shifting under the weight of wet concrete. As workers vibrate and level the mixture, the magnetic formers help maintain the correct geometry, resulting in more consistent surface finish and structural integrity.

4. Remove Magnetic Formers

After concrete reaches sufficient strength, typically following a predetermined curing time, the Precast Magnetic Formers are removed. Operators simply pull each former away from the steel surface, releasing the embedded accessory with minimal effort. Because the magnetic attachment eliminates mechanical fasteners, removal is straightforward and causes less surface damage. The formers can then be cleaned and re-magnetized if necessary for the next casting cycle.

How Precast Magnetic Formers Are Produced

Production of Precast Magnetic Formers involves precise magnet shaping, custom casing fabrication, careful assembly, and rigorous quality testing processes.

1. Manufacture Magnet Cores

The production process begins with manufacturing magnets of specified shapes using high-grade rare-earth material. Magnet blanks are cut and machined into the desired geometry, such as blocks, discs, or custom profiles for unique form supports. Each magnet undergoes a demagnetization and remagnetization cycle to ensure its magnetic flux is oriented correctly. Surface treatments may also be applied to enhance corrosion resistance and durability under damp conditions.

2. Produce Specialized Casings

Next, specialized outer casing components are produced according to functional requirements. Depending on the application, casings may be molded from plastic, rubber, iron, or composite blends. CNC machining, injection molding, or stamping techniques are employed to achieve precise dimensions that match the magnet core. Functional features such as gripping handles, alignment guides, and protective bumpers are incorporated to make the final product more user-friendly and more versatile on-site.

3. Assembly

During assembly, magnets are carefully inserted into their respective casings, ensuring a snug fit that prevents internal movement. Industrial-grade adhesives or resins are used to bond the magnet to the housing, creating a unified structure. Workers also install any necessary gaskets, handles, or alignment markers at this stage. Each unit is visually inspected for proper assembly, with more attention paid to bonding quality and external finish to guarantee more consistent performance.

4. Testing

Finally, each Precast Magnetic Former undergoes a comprehensive testing procedure. Magnet strength is measured using gauss meters or pull-test devices to confirm optimal holding force. Dimensional checks ensure that each former matches design specifications. Additionally, environmental testing, such as salt-spray or temperature cycling, may be performed to verify corrosion resistance and durability. Only units that pass all tests receive a detailed quality report before being packed for shipment.

Precast Magnetic Formers Quality Control Center

At our Precast Magnetic Formers Quality Control Center, we employ advanced testing instruments to ensure each unit meets stringent performance benchmarks. We measure magnetic pull strength, verify dimensional accuracy, and inspect the integrity of the protective casing. Through rigorous random sampling, we maintain a pass rate exceeding 99%. Each batch of formers is accompanied by a detailed inspection report summarizing key metrics and test results. In addition to our robust QA procedures, we offer comprehensive after-sales service. If any product exhibits quality issues or arrives with insufficient quantity, customers can request returns, exchanges, or replenishments. Our commitment to superior quality control guarantees more reliable formers and more consistent production outcomes.