For aluminum formwork lessors, distributors, and long-term users, aluminum formwork represents a significant asset investment. Proper maintenance and care not only ensure the quality of concrete forming but also extend the actual service life of the formwork to over 250 uses, significantly reducing the cost per use. This article provides you with a comprehensive aluminum formwork maintenance program, covering key aspects such as daily cleaning, regular inspections, accessory replacement, and long-term storage.

Why Maintenance Matters

Although aluminum formwork has inherent advantages such as corrosion resistance, high strength, and good durability, it still faces issues like concrete residue, impact deformation, and pin wear during long-term construction. Proper maintenance delivers clear benefits:

· Extend service life to 300+ cycles;

· Maintain plaster‑free flatness of concrete walls;

· Reduce frequency and cost of buying new panels;

· Minimize on‑site failures and schedule delays.

Four‑Step Daily Maintenance

Step 1 – Remove concrete residue immediately after stripping

Best done while concrete is still partially cured.

· Use plastic scrapers or wooden paddles – never steel tools.

· For hardened residue, apply mild cleaning agents with soft brushes; avoid strong acids/alkalis.

· After cleaning, check pinholes and edges for blockages.

Step 2 – Inspect panels

Visually inspect each cleaned panel for:

· Bulging, denting or cracking of the face;

· Bending of frames or deformed pinholes;

· Welds on stiffening ribs.

Minor deformation can be straightened on site; severely damaged panels should be returned to the factory for repair or scrap. Keep a “health record” for every panel.

Step 3 – Apply release agent evenly

Use dedicated aluminum formwork release agent before every use.

· Never substitute waste oil.

· Apply thinly and evenly – no pooling.

· Allow 10–15 minutes to dry before assembly.

Step 4 – Store correctly

During breaks or overnight:

· Store in a dry, level, drainable area.

· Stack panels by type, max stack height 1.5m.

· Stack face‑to‑face or back‑to‑back, separated by timber strips to protect edges.

· For long‑term storage, cover with waterproof sheets.

Accessory Replacement Guidelines

Sample Maintenance Checklist (every 100 cycles)

Archipower Maintenance Support

· Refurbishment: Cleaning, straightening, re‑welding, re‑coating – restore >90% performance.

· Material exchange: Trade old panels by weight against new ones.

· Accessory supply: Always enough pins, wedges, tie rods, etc. in stock.

· Technical support: Comprehensive Guide on the Use, Installation, and Maintenance of Aluminum Formwork.