Machines for prestressed concrete

Ready for increasing demand for prestressed concrete elements

For this purpose, it has invested in four production lines, a sliding formwork machine, miter saw, miter plate saw, multipurpose trolley, concrete vacuum and plotter as well as a concrete transport bridge. The machines were supplied by Echo Precast Engineering, which also supervised the design and production, commissioning and commissioning of the new production line.

At the heart of the new production line is the sliding formwork machine - or Slipformer S-Liner^® - from Echo Precast Engineering. The Slipformer is the ideal solution for versatile, flexible production requirements, solid floors such as floor joists, lintels, gutters, wide slab floors and even hollow-core slabs with insulation and integrated heating and cooling systems. With the new machines, Larco is ready for the future. It can now respond to the growing demand for custom-made prestressed concrete elements.

Flexible and cost-effective

The Slipformer has a modular design. This allows Larco to easily change the height of floor elements in its production by matching the tube set to the floor height to be produced. If there is a need to switch to a totally different product, the production module can be replaced with the same ease. It is suitable for 0.6 m and 1.2 m wide products. Larco has opted for combined production of hollow-core slab elements and prestressed wide slab floors with a width of 1.2 m. This allows it to offer its customers the maximum production flexibility. The unique construction of the Slipformer S-Liner^® and the use of earth-moist concrete (shrinkage-free concrete) make this machine exceptionally cost-effective and easy to use and maintain.

Guidance from A to Z

"We realize that this is a big investment for a concrete producer," says Roeland Reenaers, Sales Manager of Echo Precast Engineering. "That's why we supervise the process from A to Z. The client tells us his requirements, upon which we work out a proposal. If the client agrees with the proposal, we work it out into a design exactly as the client envisions. If the customer requires something that is not currently available, we look for new technological solutions. Our engineers have an innovative attitude and search until they find the solution."

Efficient auxiliary products

Echo Precast Engineering's automatic plotter draws and prints project identifications on the top or side of the hollow floor elements. An industrial computer transfers the data using a USB stick or wireless network connection. The plotter runs on a battery, eliminating the need for cable connections. A multifunctional trolley, concrete vacuum cleaner, miter saw and miter saw for cured concrete optimize the production process. With the multifunctional trolley, production jobs can be prepared. The trolley is equipped with rotary cleaning brushes, a system for pulling the pre-tensioning wires and strands, and a system for oiling the production beds with demoulding oil. The concrete vacuum can be used to extract uncured concrete to create openings for columns, pipes and cables, stair passages or protruding reinforcement.

Echo Precast Engineering is a subsidiary of the PROGRESS GROUP. This also includes EBAWE Anlagentechnik, progress Maschinen & Automation, technocom and ULTRA-SPAN Technologies. The company has extensive experience in designing machines and plants for the production of prestressed concrete elements. Thanks to its expertise and excellent, technical service, the company has meanwhile gained a worldwide reputation.