Key Factors Affecting Brick Quality: Control Points from Raw Materials to Finished Products

Key Factors Affecting Brick Quality: Control Points from Raw Materials to Finished Products

The quality of bricks depends first and foremost on the raw materials. The soil or sand used for brick making should not contain too many impurities, such as large stones or grass roots, otherwise it will affect the uniformity and strength of the brick. The moisture content of the raw materials is also crucial; too dry and it will be difficult to shape, too wet and the brick blank will easily deform. It needs to be adjusted to the right consistency; ideally, it should be able to be formed into a ball by hand but crumble when dropped.

During the pressing and molding stage, pressure and uniformity are key. The pressure provided by the brick press must be sufficient and stable to ensure that the brick blank is compact and free of voids. If the pressure is insufficient or the mold is unevenly stressed, the bricks will easily become loose, chipped, or have uneven thickness. At the same time, whether the mold itself is flat and clean directly determines the regularity of the brick's shape.

The curing process after molding is often overlooked but has far-reaching consequences. Freshly pressed bricks have very low strength and need to be left to stand naturally in a cool, ventilated place for a period of time to slowly lose some moisture and begin to set. Avoid direct sunlight or strong winds, as this will cause cracking. The subsequent drying and hardening process also needs to be gradual to ensure the bricks become firm and durable from the inside out.