An element's form, dimensions, edges and surface are defined in production — characteristics that can be seen and measured on the element itself. Declared performance belongs in the product's technical documentation.
Once a concrete element has been formed and cured, its form no longer changes. On the press line, the steel mould gives it its dimensions, and its edges and surface take shape in the press. An element's visible characteristics are therefore tied directly to how it is made.
The five stages of the press line, as shown on the production page: what happens in each, and what it affects in the element. The table describes this line — not necessarily every product in the range.
The line in production| Stage | What happens | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Material | The material is batched and mixed before it goes into the mould. | The concrete the element is made from. |
| Forming | The steel mould sets the intended format and profile. | The element's geometry, dimensions and profile. |
| Pressing | The press compacts the concrete in the mould under pressure. | The visible form, edges and surface of the fresh element. |
| Curing | Elements on this line stay in multi-tier racks while they cure. | The production sequence before palletising. |
| Finished product | Finished elements leave the line on the roller conveyor and are palletised. | The format and visible condition of the finished element. |
The visible and dimensional characteristics of a finished element include its dimensions, form, edges and surface. They are distinct from declared performance, which cannot be judged by eye.
Water absorption, freeze–thaw resistance, strength and abrasion resistance are declared characteristics. Where they apply, they belong in the technical documentation of a specific product — for that product, that size, and against the applicable harmonised standard.
Where applicable, CE marking relates to the product and its applicable technical documentation; it is not a blanket certification of the company.
View the CE documentsFor products whose technical documentation has been reliably matched and verified, the site publishes:
