Abstract: ICF tooling facilitating the manufacturing of ICF blocks having different widths and different heights, the tie member including a variable width web portion positionable within a plurality of internal openings associated with a specially designed male tool, each internal opening being configured to receive folded web portions of varying length so that ICF blocks of different widths can be produced using the same male tool; each internal opening likewise includes a tie engaging feature for holding the respective tie members in their folded position within the male tool during the molding process; the internal openings enable foldable tie members of different widths to be used in the same male and female tools for producing ICF blocks in different widths in each individual separate male tool. ICF blocks of varying heights can be produced using the same female tool and a plurality of slightly modified height male tools.
Abstract: A modular tie member which promotes flexibility in manufacturing ICF blocks of varying widths and heights, one embodiment including a pair of side wall bracket members each encapsulated within a respective panel member forming an ICF block and a web member pivotally attached to and extending between the side wall bracket members. Each bracket member may include an extension portion and/or another interlocking mechanism associated with each opposite end thereof positioned for overlapping and engaging similar members associated with similarly constructed tie members when one tie member is stackably arranged one on top of another tie member. The extension portions and/or the other interlocking mechanism extend into respective teeth associated with the horizontally opposed edges of the panel members for mating with the extension portions and/or the other interlocking mechanism of another tie member associated with a similarly constructed ICF block positioned in vertical arrangement thereto.