FORMLINERS that make intricate designs in concrete possible will be prominently displayed at the stand of Reckli Arabia, a subsidiary of Germany-based Reckli, at this year’s Saudi Build event in Riyadh.

Focused on maintaining a strong presence in the region, the company offers products and services that help in achieving pattern or architectural concrete for all types of buildings, bridges, shopping malls and airports, among other projects.

“We are here to tap further markets and popularise our products in the region and beyond,” says Javed Raja, general manager of Reckli Arabia, which looks after the Saudi and Bahrain markets.

Among many key products that will be promoted at the Reckli Arabia stand will be the new-generation Reckli photo engraving formliners, and Reckli concrete surface retarders and surface protection products.

The new generation of Reckli photo engraving formliners push the boundaries of design possibilities that can be achieved with concrete, says Raja.

Raja.

He elaborates: “The combination of the Reckli system and the worldwide-patented photo engraving technology creates a surface pattern that can vary from fine to coarse depending on the resolution of the image used. This image can then be incorporated onto the finished concrete surface by using the Reckli formliner system.

“The photo engraving process uses a computer to transfer image data onto sheet materials by means of the milling technology. Here, an image template is scanned and converted into 256 grey scales. In order to transfer the image onto the sheet material, a machining file is generated from the identified grey values, whereby the file includes milling commands for a special CNC milling machine.

“The milled model is used as a master for casting the elastic Reckli formliners. Their elasticity, quality and reusability contribute to the aesthetics and the economy of the whole process and make it possible to recreate the image on to the concrete surface.”

“The applications are virtually unlimited because almost any image in standard graphic formats can be used. The templates are scalable, which allows the production of photo engraving in any size,” says Raja, adding that while the maximum size of a sheet is 4 m by 1.9 m, a number of partial images can be joined together to form one complete image.
Reckli’s concrete surface retarders are described as being ideal for the production of washed concrete surfaces (facades, covers, noise protection walls, gardening furniture and concrete items, among others), particularly architectural concrete and intricate elements produced under difficult conditions.

Concrete surface retarders ... ideal for producing washed concrete surfaces.

“Reckli surface retarders are applied to the mould surface with roller or spray. After a short drying period of 15 to 30 minutes, concrete can be added. After the concrete is cured, the concrete element is removed from the mould and washed with high pressure water jet to expose the surface,” explains Raja.

Reckli also provides a full range of products for the surface protection of concrete and GRC (glass reinforced concrete). These systems protect against moisture penetration and chemical reactions on precast concrete facades, cast stone structures, terrazzo floors and in bridges and tunnel construction.

Raja says Reckli formliners, special formliners, liquid rubber and all other accessories are now readily available in Saudi Arabia. These formliners systems have a proven track record of more than 42 years of application throughout the world. “The advantage of Reckli is that it allows intricate designs to be produced, it does not shrink and has a long life. Reckli rubber moulds are good for over 100 uses if used in accordance with guidelines provided by manufacturers,” Raja points out.

“Within the Reckli standard programme, we have more than 250 different patterns available in Germany,” says Raja.
Beside this wide range, the company can also manufacture in Saudi Arabia special moulds to suit clients’ designs, including logos for boundary walls and special designs for GRC decorative elements.

To keep prices down for its customers, Reckli Arabia imports bulk quantities of Reckli materials from Germany on a monthly basis. “This enables us to sell to our Saudi and Bahraini customers at ex-Germany prices. It also means that customers do not have to maintain large stocks, which is important for materials that have a six-month shelf life.”

Reckli materials are stored in an air-conditioned store and there is no minimum order quantity, he adds.

Reckli Arabia also supplies polyurethane liquid rubber, available in various shore hardnesses, silicones, release agents and epoxies to all major gypsum, GRC and precast concrete factories for making flexible moulds.

In addition, the company offers its customers full technical on-site support, through its highly-trained technical staff.
Reckli Arabia will be present in the German Pavilion at Stand 233, Hall 2, at Saudi Build.