What Is a Brick Machine?

A brick machine manufactures bricks of standard shape and size for use in construction activities. Producers of such equipment offer a range of products for industrial brick making as well as specific projects. It is also possible to fabricate equipment for custom applications. In all cases, the equipment uses compression to compact and mold materials so they will meet standards for size, shape, and consistency. The number of options a machine can produce depend on how it is constructed.

Materials suitable for use in a brick machine can include cements, masonry, ceramics, and mud slurries. The operator can configure the size and shape with adjustments to the machine or interchangeable attachments. Material feeds into the brick machine through a hopper and it uses pressure to compress it, forcing it into the mold or a series of molds. The bricks can be popped out of the molds and allowed to cure before use.

This equipment can be designed for industrial production, where companies need to produce huge volumes of bricks at once for the commercial market. These machines may use a continuous production method, where they never stop operating, and a stream of finished bricks is fed through ovens to cure. Others operate by batch. Batch functionality tends to be slow and is more suitable for custom projects or production on site.

In addition to regular bricks, paving blocks and similar materials can also be produced using this method. Multipurpose machinery is common at large companies that want to maintain a wide range of offerings. They can cycle through production on different components as they run low and need to meet orders. Their equipment can also allow for large custom orders from clients with specific needs. Contractors preparing for a new high rise building, for instance, might order custom products for a specific look and feel.

On individual job sites, people may use a brick machine to produce materials locally, sometimes using local materials. Rammed earth bricks, for instance, can be used in sustainable home construction. People working on personal projects may rent a brick machine rather than purchasing. They can also build custom designs if they feel this would be more cost effective or are interested in the project.

When working around a brick machine, it is important to exercise caution. Very high pressure can be extremely dangerous if clothing or body parts get caught in the equipment. The machines also produce dust and muddy slurries which shouldn’t be inhaled or consumed, as they may pose significant health risks.