Making bricks is actually quite simple: Steps to operate a small brick-making machine for beginners

Making bricks is actually quite simple: Steps to operate a small brick-making machine for beginners

Making bricks yourself using a small brick-making machine isn't as complicated as you might think. As long as you prepare the materials and follow clear steps, even complete beginners can easily master it. The entire process can be summarized into four core steps: material preparation, mixing, pressing, and curing.

Step 1: Prepare the raw materials. This is the foundation of brick making. You'll need "aggregate," "glue," and "water." "Aggregate" can be clean coarse sand, fine gravel, or even crushed old construction waste (after removing impurities). "Glue" is usually ordinary cement. Mix them in a certain proportion; a common reference ratio is about 70-80% aggregate and 15-20% cement, then add an appropriate amount of water. The amount of water is crucial; the ideal mixture is one that "can be formed into a ball by hand but crumbles when dropped."

Step 2: Mix. Pour the weighed aggregate and cement into a mixer or a clean sheet metal container. First, dry mix until evenly mixed, ensuring a consistent color. Then gradually add water, continuing to stir until all materials are evenly mixed, with no dry powder or lumps. A uniform mixture is essential for consistent brick strength.

Step 3: Loading and Pressing. Pour the mixture into the mold hopper of the brick-making machine. Start the machine; the hydraulic or vibration system will begin working, press the loose mixture under high pressure or vibrate it to compact within the mold. After several tens of seconds, the brick blank is formed, and the machine will automatically demold, pushing the formed brick out. At this point, the brick has a basic shape and initial strength and can be handled carefully.

Step 4: Handling and Curing. Neatly stack the demolded, wet brick blanks in a flat, cool place, avoiding direct sunlight and rain. Cover the brick blanks with plastic sheeting or sprinkle water to keep them moist, allowing them to harden slowly in their natural state. This process is called curing, and it usually takes more than 7 days to reach usable strength. Maintaining moisture during curing is crucial for ensuring final strength.

The entire process is like making a large "molded pastry," the core of which lies in accurate proportions, even mixing, proper compaction, and patient curing. By following these steps, you can transform a pile of ordinary sand and gravel into sturdy bricks that you make yourself.