Also called MS plate, farma, or pharma — the shuttering plate is the workhorse of Indian slab and beam casting. Here's what it does and why steel wins over the alternatives.
Shuttering plates — also known as centering plates, MS plates, steel plates, farma, or pharma — hold freshly poured "green" concrete in place during slab casting until it takes shape and gains enough strength to become self-supporting. They are the primary supporting element in slab, beam, canopy, and RCC casting work.
Using fine-grade steel, manufacturers can produce a shuttering plate that is durable, corrosion-resistant, and sturdy enough to be reused many times over — a major factor in keeping large-scale concrete work cost-efficient. Dimensional accuracy is critical: it directly determines how smooth and level the final slab finish will be.
Shuttering plates are manufactured in a range of shapes and sizes to meet the specification requirements of individual clients and the demands of the construction activity underway.
8 Benefits of Steel Shuttering Plates Over Other Alternatives
- Watertight construction prevents seepage of wet concrete during solidification, strengthening the finished slab.
- Easy to install and remove, keeping the construction process moving quickly.
- Sturdy yet lightweight enough for efficient site handling.
- Designed to protect both workers and materials on site.
- Usable horizontally, vertically, or in custom configurations depending on the building design.
- Steel doesn't shrink the way timber can under load and moisture.
- Leaves a smooth concrete surface after removal, minimising finishing work and lowering overall construction cost.
- Long-lasting and reusable across many pours, improving cost-per-use over the life of a project.
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