Types of block machines

There are generally two types of hollow concrete block machines on the market - the vertical face block machine and those with a horizontal face.

Making blocks with the vertical-faced machine requires the face of the block to be in a vertical position and the block is simply lifted from the machine on its base-plate.

The horizontal-faced block, also called a face-down block, is made with the face down and therefore the face-plate forms the bottom of the mould. The process of shaping the block is therefore different than with a vertical faced machine.

The principal difference in the two types of machine, is that the horizontal-faced machine is more convenient to use when it comes to putting in a special facing block. With the vertical-faced machine, the special facing is put on by the use of a parting plate.

An advantage of the face-down type is that this machine is simple to operate. They are also portable, which makes them convenient and flexible around the work sites.

The cores of blocks made with this type of machines are removed by means of a lever. The block remains in the position in which it was made. In the second step of the process, the mould and block is turned over, and the face- and end-plates are released, after which the block is removed from the pallet.