| Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) is not only | | | | model of the piece or just an idea, the user can create |
| changing the face of concrete, but it's providing a | | | | an editable data file that forms the basis for the rest |
| world of new product and business opportunities for | | | | of the process. If a physical model of the piece exists, |
| those already in the industry or for those looking to get | | | | it can be scanned to create a perfect digital replica. If a |
| started. While GFRC has proven its worth with | | | | physical model doesn't exist, design software can be |
| conventional products like building facades, fireplaces | | | | used to model it in 3D. In both cases, working with data |
| and countertops, advanced mold making technology is | | | | allows designs to be edited, scaled and saved for |
| taking GFRC beyond the typical applications and | | | | future use - bringing new levels of flexibility and |
| opening the door to new creative possibilities. | | | | creative freedom to mold making. |
| Made up of a cement-based composite reinforced | | | | Once the data file has been created, it is sent to a 3D |
| with glass fibers, GFRC has all the characteristics of | | | | router that perfectly replicates the piece using |
| regular concrete. A number of additional qualities, | | | | high-density foam. Creating a negative or positive |
| however, give it significant advantages. Most obviously, | | | | version with perfect accuracy, scale and detail, the |
| GFRC is up to 80% lighter than concrete, so it's easier | | | | router automates the carving process and eliminates |
| to work with and install. Despite its light weight, GFRC | | | | the labor of hand carving. Negatives can be coated |
| also boasts superior strength and durability, making it a | | | | with a thin coat of durable material to create an instant |
| material that can stand the test of time. Add the fact | | | | mold, while positives form the basis of Streamline's |
| that GFRC is easily molded into intricate and detailed | | | | proprietary mold making processes. The end result of |
| designs in a wide selection of colors, forms and | | | | either process is a detailed, durable mold that's created |
| textures, and you've got a perfect replacement for | | | | in a fraction of the time of traditional processes. |
| precast concrete and an ideal material for a range of | | | | TAKING GFRC INTO THE FUTURE |
| creative projects. | | | | "The combination of automation, accuracy and speed |
| BUILDING A NEW FOUNDATION FOR GFRC | | | | creates a powerful mold making engine that is taking |
| The foundation for any GFRC project is a mold. Up | | | | GFRC to where regular concrete can't go." explains |
| until now, given the nature of mold making, building this | | | | Streamline President Dwayne Lehman. "It creates |
| foundation has been a critical challenge. The | | | | molds with unbelievable quality, but it does it with an |
| specialized nature of mold making has pushed many | | | | automated process that anyone can follow. You can |
| away from creating molds in-house, so even the most | | | | now mold whatever you want to, from new takes on |
| basic of molds tend to be farmed out or purchased - | | | | traditional products to new products that were cost |
| a costly proposition. For those that have taken things | | | | prohibitive before. We've created a way for any |
| into their own hands, creating detailed molds means | | | | business to create their own molds without sacrificing |
| time-consuming hand carving at the hands of a skilled | | | | quality and without putting creative control in someone |
| artisan. Ultimately, many businesses end up relying on a | | | | else's hands." With this mold making power, the |
| basic set of undifferentiated molds, limiting what they | | | | product possibilities for GFRC are endless: |
| can provide to their customers. | | | | - Detailed architectural elements |
| With traditional processes holding back creativity and | | | | - Perfect historical reproductions and restorations |
| productivity, it may have been a matter of time before | | | | - Eye-catching building facades |
| technology came to the rescue. In this case, new mold | | | | - Stunning reliefs and wall art |
| making technology is simplifying and automating the | | | | - Innovative sinks, fireplaces and countertops |
| creation of molds. Thanks to a foam carving system | | | | - Themed environments and sculptures This |
| developed by Streamline Automation, the days of | | | | technology is not just about expanding GFRC's |
| hand carving molds are over. This system combines | | | | horizons with creative new products. It can also |
| 3D laser scanning, CNC routing and various supporting | | | | generate new business opportunities. By combining |
| processes with the versatility of high density foam to | | | | improved creativity with the increased efficiency of an |
| create a system that revolutionizes mold making - | | | | automated system, this is a technology that can give |
| giving every business involved with GFRC the power | | | | businesses a serious advantage over the competition. |
| to create the kind of molds they want. | | | | As Lehman explains, "this system can not only help |
| TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS | | | | GFRC businesses take the next step towards giving |
| ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY | | | | their customers exactly what they want, but it can |
| The system's starting point is its 3D laser scanner and | | | | also help them grow their productivity and bottom line. |
| customized software. These components allow molds | | | | This is a classic win-win situation." GFRC, welcome to |
| to be designed without the skills of an artist, bringing | | | | the future. |
| mold making to the masses. Starting with a scale | | | | |