Difference between OPC 53 &OPC 43 grade of cement according to the initial and final setting time of cement.

OPC 43 :- The 43 grade OPC is the most popular general-purpose cement in the country today. The production of 43 grade OPC is nearly 50% of the total production of cement in the country. This OPC43 continues to gain strength after 28 days.

OPC 53 :- The 53 grade OPC is higher strength cement to meet the needs of the consumer for higher strength concrete. As per BIS requirements the minimum 28 days compressive strength of 53 grade OPC should not be less than 53 Mpa. Therefore, there is a vast difference in setting time of these cements. It sets very quicker and has low initial setting time. These types of cement can be used where rapid hardening is not needed.

OPC 43 means that the cement is expected to reach a compressive strength of 43 MPa in a cube cast by 28 days. Similarly, OPC 53 reaches 53 MPa by 28 days.

There is a contrasting difference in the setting times of these cements. OPC 53 sets quicker than OPC 43 and has a quite low initial setting time. It is used in structures where rapid strength gain is required like large load bearing structures like bridges, huge buildings, etc. OPC 43 on the other hand doesn’t set so quickly and has a normal initial and final setting time. It is hence used where rapid hardening is not necessary like flooring, plastering, etc.