FLOAT CONCRETE BUILDS GLOBAL MOMENTUM WITH AFRISAM SUPPORT
After a decade of product development and technical support from AfriSam’ s Centre of Product Excellence( CPE), South African precast manufacturer Float Concrete is taking its lightweight concrete panels and 3D tiles to international markets.
Based in Krugersdorp, Float Concrete has evolved from a specialist concrete flooring and furniture business into a manufacturer of architectural concrete products increasingly specified by architects, designers and developers locally and internationally.
Its lightweight concrete panels and sculptural 3D tiles replicate the appearance of fair-faced concrete while offering greater consistency, reduced weight and easier installation.
Continuous refinement of proprietary mix designs has enabled the company to develop products that are lighter, stronger and more durable than conventional concrete alternatives.
The products were initially developed in response to architects seeking greater control over the appearance and consistency of concrete finishes.
“ Architects wanted a guaranteed concrete finish that could be specified with confidence,” says Float Concrete Co-Founder and CEO Waldo Meyer.“ Our panels provide the authentic appearance of concrete while giving architects greater control over colour, texture and quality.”
Refining Concrete Performance Float Concrete’ s development of lightweight, high-strength concrete has involved extensive testing and refinement of materials and mix designs. Its long-standing relationship with AfriSam has provided access to technical expertise, testing facilities and a range of cement products.
AfriSam’ s CPE has assisted with mix design evaluation and product performance assessments, including compressive and flexural strength testing. Different cement options have also been evaluated to improve durability, consistency and production efficiency.
Consistency is particularly important for architectural concrete, where relatively small variations in materials can influence both appearance and performance. Float Concrete uses products from AfriSam’ s cement portfolio, including High Strength Cement and Rapid Hard Cement, in its manufacturing processes.
Float Concrete has focused on its panel and 3D tile ranges to meet growing demand beyond South Africa.
The collaboration demonstrates how technical expertise, material development and specialist manufacturing can support locally developed architectural products as they move into international markets. www. floatconcrete. com
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