Block making machines are useful equipment for manufacturing concrete blocks on a large scale. This blog post provides a complete overview of concrete block making machines, including the types, workings, factors to consider and more.
Types of Concrete Block Making Machines
There are mainly two types of concrete block making machines:
• Manual machines – These are small, inexpensive machines that are operated manually. An operator physically adjusts the molds, pours concrete and removes finished blocks. They have low production capacities of around 50-150 blocks per day.
• Automatic machines – These large commercial machines are fully or semi-automatic. They have a continuous process with automatic mold movements, concrete dosing and block removal. Automatic machines can produce 400-1500 blocks per day.
How Concrete Block Making Machines Work
The basic working of block making machine involves the following steps:
• Molds: The machine contains steel molds in the required block sizes and shapes.
• Feeding: Dry ingredients like sand, cement and aggregates are fed into the machine in a precise ratio.
• Mixing: The dry ingredients are mixed with water in a revolving pan or drum to form concrete mix.
• Filling: The concrete mix is filled into the open molds using dosing chambers and conveyors.
• Compacting: A ram or vibrating plate compact the concrete in the molds to remove air gaps.
• Curing: The filled molds move to the curing area where the blocks harden for a few hours.
• Demolding: Once cured, the finished blocks are ejected from the molds either manually or automatically.
• Transport: The blocks are then transported for storage using conveyors or forklifts.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Block Making Machine
When choosing a block making machine, consider the following factors:
• Production Output – Higher production capacities mean the machine can produce more blocks per day, improving efficiency and profitability. Consider the optimal output needed for your business.
• Block Dimensions – Check that the machine can manufacture blocks in the specific lengths, widths and heights required for your applications. Larger dimension ranges offer more versatility.
• Automation Level – Fully automatic machines require less labor but have a higher initial cost. Consider your budget and labor requirements to determine the optimal level of automation.
• Mold Materials – More durable materials like steel typically last longer but cost more. Less expensive options like aluminum can suffice if replacement molds are budget-friendly.
• Electrical Requirements – Ensure your electrical supply can meet the power demands of the machine to avoid issues during operation. Larger, automatic machines require higher power.
• After-Sales Support – Robust warranty coverage and convenient customer support can minimize downtime caused by any machine issues. This impacts the longevity of the investment.
• Build Quality – Higher quality materials and construction translates to a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements over time. This reduces operating expenses.
• Cost – Compare the machine’s price relative to its capacity, features and suitability for your needs. Aim for the optimal balance of value and affordability.