Formliner

Formliners

Formliners are used in the concrete construction industry to impart architectural treatment on concrete walls. Formliners come in many different shapes and designs, and can produce a variety of different results on concrete. A formliner panel is placed on the inside of a concrete forming system before the concrete has been poured and acts as a mold for the concrete to be formed against. Once the concrete has set, the forming system can be removed and the formliner can be stripped from the hardened concrete surface. The resulting concrete surface is permanently textured with the pattern of the formliner.

There are several different types of formliners, which vary based on the application. Single-use formliners are usually made of styrene plastic and are normally discarded after the first use. Multi-use formliners are usually made of ABS plastic and range in number of uses from 2 to 10 or more. Multiple-reuse formliners are usually made of urethane, and can last for 100+ uses. Many departments of transportation specify the material to be used in their contract plans. Although there are manufacturers that produce formliners from a variety of other materials--such as polystyrene foam, fiberglass, and even aluminum-- styrene plastic, ABS plastic, and urethane are considered to be the industry standard, and are most often specified in plans by architects and engineers.