The Difference Between Aluminum Formwork and Steel Formwork During Construction

1. Weight and Handling

• Aluminum Formwork: Lighter weight, with individual panels typically weighing between 20-30 kg, which can be manually handled by workers, reducing reliance on heavy machinery and increasing construction flexibility and efficiency.
• Steel Formwork: Heavier weight, with individual panels typically weighing over 50 kg, requiring lifting equipment for handling and installation, increasing construction complexity and cost.

2. Installation and Dismantling

• Aluminum Formwork: Due to its light weight and precise dimensions, installation and dismantling are relatively simple and quick, usually requiring only basic tools, with dismantling typically completed within 24 hours.
• Steel Formwork: Installation and dismantling are more cumbersome, requiring more manpower and time, with longer dismantling periods

3. Durability

• Aluminum Formwork: High corrosion resistance but lower impact resistance, prone to deformation or damage. Under normal use, aluminum formwork can be reused over 200 times.

  
  

• Steel Formwork: High impact resistance and wear resistance, with a longer lifespan. Under normal use, steel formwork can be reused up to 500 times.

4. Construction Accuracy

• Aluminum Formwork: High precision in manufacturing, providing higher construction accuracy, with minimal gaps between panels, resulting in smooth and flat concrete surfaces.

• Steel Formwork: Slightly lower manufacturing precision, with larger gaps between panels, potentially requiring additional treatment for concrete surfaces.

5. Cost

• Aluminum Formwork: Higher initial investment cost, but due to its high reuse rate, long-term use cost is relatively low, especially in large-scale and repetitive projects, offering significant economic benefits.

  
  

• Steel Formwork: Lower initial investment cost, but due to its heavier weight, higher handling and installation costs, and limited reuse rate, long-term use cost may be higher.

6. Environmental Impact

• Aluminum Formwork: Recyclable and reusable, aligning with green building and sustainable development requirements, with better environmental performance.

  
  

• Steel Formwork: Also recyclable, but due to its weight and handling difficulty, its environmental performance is slightly inferior to aluminum formwork.

Overall, both aluminum and steel formworks have their pros and cons. The choice between them depends on specific project requirements, budget, and construction environment.