Key Steps and Basic Processes in Brick Production

Key Steps and Basic Processes in Brick Production

Brick production is a systematic process of transforming raw materials such as soil and sand into sturdy and well-formed building materials. A clear and stable basic process is fundamental to ensuring output, quality, and cost control. The entire process can be logically divided into three key steps: raw material processing, molding and pressing, and curing and hardening. These steps are interconnected, and any oversight in any step will directly affect the quality of the final product.

The first key step is the processing and proportioning of raw materials. This is the source that determines the "quality" of the bricks. The soil, sand, or other additives (such as cinders and cement) used for brick making need to be screened to remove large stones, grass roots, and other impurities. The core task is controlling the moisture content (or humidity) of the raw materials. If the raw materials are too dry, they are difficult to press and form, resulting in loose brick blanks; if the raw materials are too wet, the brick blanks are prone to deformation and cracking when dry. Experience suggests that the ideal consistency is when the brick "can be formed into a ball when squeezed in the hand, but crumbles when dropped." If cement or other binding agents are added to the formula, they must be thoroughly mixed with the main materials in an accurate ratio to ensure that the "formula" is consistent for each batch. This step provides a stable and qualified "clay material" for subsequent molding.

The second core step is the molding and pressing of the brick blanks. The processed raw materials are fed into the molds of the brick-making machine and extruded into brick blanks of a predetermined shape 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 low strength; excessive pressure or poor venting can lead to internal cracks. Operators need to periodically check the freshly pressed brick blanks to ensure their edges are intact, surfaces are smooth, dimensions are standard, and weight is stable. Cutting open the brick blank to check for internal density and voids is the most direct way to judge the molding quality. This is the decisive step in giving the brick its "shape" and initial strength.

After molding, the brick blanks cannot be used immediately; they must undergo a third step—curing and drying—to achieve their final usable 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 naturally "air-dried" in a well-ventilated environment, away from direct sunlight and rain, allowing moisture to evaporate slowly and evenly. This is crucial to prevent shrinkage cracks caused by excessively rapid drying. Subsequently, depending on the process requirements, several to dozens of days of watering and moisturizing or natural storage may be required to promote full internal hardening. Only when the brick blanks are completely dry and have reached the predetermined strength can they become qualified products for storage or shipment. This step, although the most time-consuming, is essential to ensuring the durability and stability of the bricks and determines the final quality of the product.