Development of Connection Technology between Multi-Point Press and Flexible Mold for Manufacturing Free-Form Concrete Panel

Abstract

Many studies have been conducted for the accuracy of free-form concrete panel fabrication, but there still are errors in the process of fabrication. This study developed a connection technology of detachable shape part that can be applied to the existing multi-point Computer Numerical Control (CNC) to enhance the accuracy of fabrication. The detachable type can place a silicone plate on top of the rod without additional fixtures. The accuracy of the technology was verified by curvature test and free-form concrete panel fabrication test. Three curves were created to compare the discrepancies between the designed shapes and the fabricated shapes through quality test. As a result, the detachable type decreased the error by up to 2 mm. In addition, a panel was fabricated to analyze the error to verify the rigidity of the developed molds. The error caused by concrete deflection under load or the error caused by repeated fabrication was about 0.5 mm. The shape error was within 3.5 mm. This small error proved greater accuracy compared to the existing technology.