Key Stages of Brick Production

Key Stages of Brick Production

Brick production is a series of interconnected processes. Transforming raw materials into durable finished bricks requires several crucial stages. Precise control at each stage directly impacts the final brick quality, cost, and yield. Understanding these stages is fundamental to organizing efficient production and ensuring product quality.

The entire process begins with raw material handling and batching. Soil, sand, or other materials used for brick making (such as cinders and construction waste) need to be screened to remove large stones, grass roots, and other impurities. Subsequently, the moisture content of the raw materials must be adjusted to a very precise range. Too low a moisture content makes it difficult to press and shape; too high a moisture content causes the brick blanks to deform and crack during drying. A common criterion is that the bricks should "clump together when squeezed in the hand but crumble when dropped." If cement, hardeners, or other additives are added to the formula to improve performance, it is essential to ensure they are evenly mixed with the main materials. This stage prepares a stable and qualified "formula" for subsequent processes, and its importance is self-evident.

Once the raw materials are ready, the core process of shaping and pressing begins. Qualified raw materials are fed into the molds of the brick-making machine and extruded into regularly shaped brick blanks under strong pressure. The key technology at this stage lies in the precise control of pressure and holding time. Insufficient pressure results in a loose internal structure and insufficient strength; excessive pressure or poor venting can cause internal cracks. Operators need to constantly check the appearance of the pressed brick blanks to ensure sharp edges, standard dimensions, and a smooth surface, and randomly check the weight of the brick blanks to ensure consistency. This is a crucial step in giving the bricks their "shape" and initial strength.

After forming, the brick blanks cannot be used immediately; they must undergo curing and drying to achieve their final strength. Freshly pressed, wet brick blanks are very fragile and need to be carefully transported to a dedicated curing area. First, the brick blanks need to be left to stand naturally in a cool, well-ventilated environment to allow the moisture to evaporate slowly and evenly. This process, called "aging" or "drying," aims to prevent shrinkage cracks caused by excessively rapid drying. Subsequently, depending on the process, several to dozens of days of water curing or thermal insulation may be required to promote internal hydration (such as when using cement) or natural hardening. Only when the brick blanks are completely dry and reach their design strength can they become qualified products for storage or shipment. Although this step is time-consuming, it is an essential step to ensure the durability and stability of the bricks and cannot be omitted or rushed.