How Texture Effects on UHPC Shaped Surfaces Are Achieved Through Molds: Technical Principles and Process Path Analysis

The mold is the "carving knife" of UHPC sculptural art. Drawing on 28 years of industry experience, here is how to bring out the beauty of concrete textures.

In contemporary architectural aesthetics, UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete), with its ultra-high strength and exceptional plasticity, is becoming the core material for shaping the artistic character of building skins. As an industry leader with 28 years of deep expertise in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group understands that mold craftsmanship is the key determinant of UHPC surface texture expressiveness. From the dual perspectives of technical principles and process pathways, this article analyzes how to achieve texture effects on UHPC sculpted surfaces through mold technology, providing designers and owners with a full-chain solution from concept to implementation.

### I. Technical Principles of UHPC Texture Molds: A Dialogue Between Material and Texture

The realization of UHPC texture effects is essentially a synergy between the mold cavity and material properties. Its core principle lies in leveraging the high flowability and low shrinkage of UHPC materials to precisely replicate designed textures onto the concrete surface through the microstructure and macro shaping of the mold surface. During the detailed design phase, Qinglong Group focuses on three key factors: first, mold surface precision—CNC-machined steel molds can achieve texture details at the 0.1mm level; second, material mix optimization—controlling interfacial bond strength by adjusting the content of silica fume and steel fibers; third, molding process parameters, such as the influence of casting pressure and curing regimes on texture clarity. This technical expertise stems from Qinglong's practical experience in participating in the development of the industry standard "General Technical Conditions for Non-Load-Bearing Components of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)."

### II. Process Pathways for UHPC Texture Molds: Full-Process Control from Design to Mass Production

Qinglong Group ensures the implementation of texture effects through its full-chain service system, with a mature process pathway comprising four key stages. In the detailed design stage, parametric design software such as Rhino and Grasshopper transforms designers' texture concepts into manufacturable mold data models, supporting diverse requirements ranging from imitation stone lychee finishes to parametric openwork textures. In the mold fabrication stage, the process is selected according to project scale: small batches of irregular textures use 3D-printed molds, while mass-produced standardized components use steel molds or fiberglass (GRP) composite molds—GRP molds, with their lightweight characteristics, are an ideal choice for curved surface textures. In the production stage, vacuum casting and vibration molding technologies ensure that the UHPC slurry fully fills the mold's texture details. This process helped the Nanjing East Road Century Plaza renovation project achieve precise texture control for translucent concrete.

### III. Mold Solutions for Different Texture Effects: A Summary of Qinglong's 28 Years of Project Experience

Addressing the diverse needs of the architectural decoration field, Qinglong Group has developed systematic texture mold solutions. For the metallic-effect textures of commercial complexes, mirror-polished steel molds combined with special release agents achieve a fine luster similar to anodized aluminum; for the natural stone textures of landscape elements, silicone mold-replication technology reproduces the random textures of natural stone surfaces—the Dongguan Women and Children's Activity Center project adopted this process to achieve texture consistency between GRC and UHPC. In the high-end interior decoration field, the texture performance of GRG materials likewise relies on mold craftsmanship; Qinglong achieved acoustic texture optimization for concert hall ceilings through high-precision PU molds. These solutions are all grounded in Qinglong's production practice of an annual output of 600,000 square meters, ensuring a balance between artistic effects and engineering efficiency.

As a national high-tech enterprise and vice-chairman unit of the GRC Association, Qinglong Group has always upheld the mission of "creating aesthetically beautiful architecture," regarding mold technology as the core competitiveness of UHPC texture art. From detailed design to after-sales maintenance, Qinglong's full-chain service system provides designers with technical support from concept validation to mass production, making every texture detail a finishing touch of architectural aesthetics. Today, as UHPC materials become increasingly widespread, choosing a supplier with mold craftsmanship advantages is the key to achieving artistic expression of the building skin.