Latest news from the global surface preparation industry

Published 20/11, 2024 at 17:53

Concrete floor prep suppliers are moving forward. Here is the latest news from the industry.

Since the planetary method of processing concrete floors was developed by HTC Sweden in the early 1990s, the technology has been refined and has attracted many manufacturers to the industry, with the story of the first pioneers being featured many times in PDi. The new planetary grinding method can be said to have effectively created a new industry and profession. 

 

Gigantic global sector

Today, this sector is huge. It has not only led to the creation of new manufacturers and equipment but also to contractor businesses offering these services around the world. Even the tools used, such as diamond tools, have become a major sector with many new manufacturers. To this must be added another sector which has also developed and grown, namely the dust management sector, as floor prep and grinding of concrete floors generates a lot of concrete dust. 

Today, there are many different ways to deal with a concrete floor. First, it involves removing glue and other residual materials and flattening the floor. This is the surface preparation stage. Then it must be grinded evenly and finally polished (if the concrete surface is to be the final floor). Initially the business was about renovating existing concrete floors, but soon manufacturers and architects realized that polished concrete floors were as good as a new flooring product. 

In the beginning, when the industry was smaller, there were not many manufacturers or  contractors specialising in floor prep, grinding and polishing concrete floors. Today, the situation is completely different with a plethora of manufacturers and contractors. In Sweden, concrete cutting and demolition contractors started offering these services in the mid-1990s; today, basically all concrete cutting and demolition contractors in Sweden offer floor prep, grinding and polishing services.

But enough about the history, here’s some of the latest news from the industry.

 

New tools from Fujian Xingyi Intelligent Equipment

HTG-AG1D and its series model HTG-AG2D are specifically designed for efficient grinding and fine polishing. They are suitable for industrial, stone, and metal surface treatment. Selected Yellow River Whirlwind diamonds are used for high stability. Low temperature silver brazing materials are used for welding to reduce potential damage to the diamond’s strength caused by high temperatures, ensuring the grinding pad’s lasting sharpness. A unique bond formula is used to enhance the sharpness of the grinding pad; the bond can also be customised according to customer requirements to meet a variety of operational needs.

www.xingyimachine.com

 

Upgraded dust extractor from Xingyi

Xingyi has also launched an upgraded model of its IVC-V3. The model has two stage filters that more efficiently eliminates invisible dust. It has three independently controlled motors, with the operator being able to choose the motor depending on the floor conditions. The machine is equipped with a Hepa filter in the main and secondary filter. Through the difference in internal and external air pressure, the pulse back blowing can easily clean the dust on the filter element, which is more friendly to the surface of the filter element and does not cause damage. The machine is equipped with a continuous Longopac dust bag system and has a inclined hose input, to guide the air.

www.xingyimachine.com

 

Husqvarna optimises range of large floor grinders

All of the best features from the company’s most popular grinding machines are said to be now under one optimised platform. The grinders are packed with features from the consolidation of three product lines, designed for maximum comfort, efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. Each model has a hermetically sealed grinding head and electrical cabinet design, preventing dust or water from intruding and damaging components. Every model feature ‘EZChange’ - a hassle free system for changing diamond tooling. In addition, some models feature ‘EZChange Airflow’. The EZChange tool holder with this technology creates an increased and controlled airflow around the tools and cools and directs dust towards the extractor. The PG 8 DR, PG 8 XR, PG 8 D and PG 5 models are said to be highly efficient planetary floor grinders, being designed for all types of flooring applications such as texturing, preparing, grinding and polishing. The PG 8 S and PG 6 S ‘all-around models’ are versatile, three disc planetary floor grinders, being suitable for most applications, from coating removal to grinding and polishing on concrete and natural stone. 

“Now it’s easier than ever to find the right machine and leave the best results on the floor,” says Gustav Berggren, product manager, Floor Grinders. “As the complete partner in surface preparation, we’re committed to giving our customers everything they need for the job. With this range, floor grinding specialists and newcomers alike can tackle any surface with confidence,” says Joakim-Leff Hallstein, VP of product and service, Concrete Surfaces and Floors.

www.husqvarnaconstruction.com

 

The new ‘Scan Combiflex 500 RS’ from Scanmaskin

Scan Combiflex 500 RS is designed to be a highly efficient grinder with a compact size. The grinder offers operational reliability and is easy to start working with, as well as being easy to use and manoeuvre. It is designed to be an efficient, robust and strong floor grinding machine that is useful for grinding concrete stone and terrazzo as well as removing coatings from the floor surface. It is equipped with adjustable speed that is easy to adjust providing optimal feeling, regardless of the surface. The grinder has a soft start and has the ability to easily select the direction of rotation of the grinding motor from the panel. It is equipped with Scanmaskin’s patented flexible tool holders that can be optimised for both aggressive removal and smooth polishing. The tool holders are cast in ductile iron for optimal durability and manufactured in one piece for optimal balance. With its oversized construction, the machine requires low mechanical maintenance, which provides high operational reliability without interruption. It is constructed with spring steel discs on the grinding head that are designed to minimise vibrations. To facilitate transportation, the grinder can easily be divided into two parts. The grinder is made entirely of steel, without any fragile plastic parts, and is manufactured in Sweden for high quality workmanship and durability. 

www.scanmaskin.com

       

New ‘Lavina S7’ from Superabrasive

Superabrasive’s new grinder series, Lavina S7, includes a variety of electric and propane models in a variety of sizes. The latest addition to the lineup is the all new remote controlled L25RES7 grinder. With 763mm work path, 11kW motor and up to 283kg of head pressure, this machine is designed to get the job done with ease. It comes with a remote control as well providing reduced maintenance thanks to the sealed grinding head. Another new product that will be showcased at WOC 2025 is the first Superabrasive finishing power trowel, SP8. This new ride on trowel is packed with features to deliver a smooth, durable finish. It has a Vanguard gas powered engine, heavy duty, inhouse made helical bevel gearbox and heavy duty CVT clutch, manual dual lever steering with spring loaded assistant, twin five blade rotors, easy access to blades with magnetic door, five led lights, and more. 

www.superabrasive.com

 

All new in terms of floor prep products from Tyrolit

At the start of the year PDi wrote about Tyrolit’s strategic strengthening of its position in the floor prep sector. Tyrolit has made major investments in this sector including new products and tools for grinding and polishing, new personnel and acquired the German manufacturer Contec. At the end of 2023, Paulo Bergstrand, who previously worked as CEO of Scanmaskin and has owned his own business, was employed by Tyrolit. Paulo, with many years of experience in the segment, now plays a key role at Tyrolit, being sales and marketing director for Europe and the Middle East. 

At the beginning of 2024, Tyrolit held its international cutting pro-competition in Austria. In parallel with the competition, Tyrolit organised an inhouse exhibition showing its new range of equipment for surface preparation, concrete floor grinding and polishing as well as new diamond tools for grinding and polishing. The new products included five new floor grinders with grinding diameters from 28cm to 78cm, with the largest models, FGE515 and FGE780, being able to be remotely controlled. All machines can be used for both grinding and polishing. To this can be added a wide assortment of grinding and polishing tools, as well as a wide range of chemicals. 

Tyrolit has also launched two new floor strippers, three floor cutters, three shot blasters and seven dust extractors for absorbing concrete dust. At the cutting event, the new VCE1200D, VCE2400D and VCE3600 were also shown. It was further announced that Tyrolit has acquired a major stake in the German manufacturer Contec to strengthen its presence in machinery and equipment for processing concrete surfaces. Contec is a well-known developer and manufacturer of a range of machines and tools for treating concrete and other floor surfaces.

www.tyrolit.com

 

Von Arx strengthens its position

Some years ago, Fredrik Åkermark acquired the Swiss manufacturer Von Arx. Fredrik Åkermark previously worked for Pullman Ermator for many years, running its US business for a decade. He also worked for Husqvarna after Husqvarna acquired Pullman Ermator. Since the acquisition of Von Arx, Åkermark and his team has developed the company, releasing many new milling machines, floor strippers etc. He also launched a whole new line of Von Arx dust extractors, dust collectors and grinders. Von Arx is now a real specialist in concrete and steel surface treatment equipment. It has experienced rapid growth over the past five years and is represented in over 50 countries worldwide. Von Arx has also acquired the manufacturer Impacts, a German specialist in shot blasters, grinders and dust collectors. 

To further strengthen the company’s position in the Middle East, Von Arx has established a Dubai based distribution company, Von Arx International Trading LLC. From Dubai, Von Arx and Impacts equipment will be distributed to Africa, the Middle East and Asia. “We want to be able to serve our customers better in these markets, and we see great potential for our products here. By establishing distribution and service closer to our customers, we can become a better partner for companies in construction, oil and gas and maritime industries,” says Fredrik Åkermark, CEO and owner of Von Arx.

www.vonarx.com

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