What Is an Automatic Block Making System and Why Should You Consider It?
2025-10-10
In this blog I will walk you through everything you want to know about Automatic Block Making Systems. As a longtime practitioner within the building-materials machinery field, now a part of QGM’s global team, I frequently engage with clients who ask: “What exactly does an Automatic Block Making System do?”, “How do your machines compare technically?”, “Will it solve my pain points?”, and “How can I be confident in after-sales support?”
We also make sure to feature the keyword Cement Block Molding Machine naturally in our content, both for clarity to readers and for search engines.
Below I present our insights, detailed specifications, comparisons, and recommendations — all in a form that fits how local engineers, factory managers, and decision makers prefer to read.
What Is an Automatic Block Making System and Why Should You Consider It?
An Automatic Block Making System (sometimes called a fully automatic block production line) is a factory-scale solution that automates the full process of block production: batching raw materials, mixing, molding, vibration/compaction, demolding, stacking, and curing (or moving to a curing chamber).
By comparison to semi-automatic or manual systems, a fully automatic setup can drastically reduce manual labor, improve block consistency, shorten cycles, and raise throughput.
In my 20 years of experience in the industry, I’ve seen customers switch to automated systems when their manual or semi-auto setups cannot keep up with demand, or when labor costs rise too much.
Some of the main benefits are:
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Consistent block quality (dimensional accuracy, density, strength)
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Higher production capacity
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Lower per-unit labor cost
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Better process control and data tracking
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Reduced waste and better raw material utilization
But such systems also come with higher initial investment and require more precise installation, calibration, and maintenance.
How Do QGM’s Automatic Block Making Systems Compare Technically?
Let me introduce now the core technical parameters of our systems (as examples) and how they stack up against common machines in the market. These will help a prospective buyer judge whether a system meets your requirements.
Below is a comparison table:
| Parameter | QGM Example System | Typical Industry Comparable | Notes / Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle Time | 12–18 seconds | 15–22 seconds (e.g. QT6) 豪文区块机 | Faster cycles increase hourly output |
| Vibration Force / Pressure | 70–100 kN (or 14–21 MPa) (configurable) | 68 kN / 25 MPa (typical) Unik Machinery+1 | Stronger compaction yields denser blocks |
| Pallet / Mold Size Range | 900×700 mm up to 1320×1150 mm | Many machines support 980×680 mm etc. 豪文区块机+1 | Flexibility to support different block formats |
| Motor Power (Main Machine) | 30–60 kW range, depending on size | 41 kW (for a moderate line) in QT6 豪文区块机 | Must match throughput and mass of machine |
| Overall Dimensions | e.g. 8,500×3,300×4,885 mm (max for large model) Quangong Machinery Co., Ltd. | Others use ~8,600×2,300×2,600 mm (for medium lines) 豪文区块机+1 | Site planning must consider footprint |
| Weight | Up to ~36 tons with face-mix device Quangong Machinery Co., Ltd. | Many competitive large machines ~30–40 tons | Must design foundation accordingly |
Let me also show a sample specification for one of our “medium” systems and how blocks per hour scale:
| Block Type / Size | Blocks per Pallet | Hourly Output (8h estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow 400×200×200 mm | 8 pcs | ~9,000 blocks |
| Hollow 400×150×200 mm | 10 pcs | ~11,000 blocks |
| Interlocking Paver 200×100×60 mm | 24 pcs | ~34,000 blocks |
These numbers are hypothetical but based on real configurations we supply.
We also support customization: depending on local raw materials, block dimensions, desired output, and site constraints, we can tune vibration motors, hydraulic pressures, mold geometry, and automation levels (stackers, palletizers, conveyors).
What Key Components Make Up the System (and Why Each Matters)?
It helps to break the system down into its major subsystems. When I visited many client sites over the years, I always check these critical parts:
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Aggregate / Raw Material Batching Station
Usually multi-bin hoppers (2–6 compartments) with load cells or belt scales. Accurate batching ensures mix consistency. -
Material Conveying System
Belt conveyors, skip hoists, screw conveyors. They feed sand, aggregates, cement, and admixtures to mixers or directly to the molding area. -
Cement Silo and Feeding / Filtering System
Cement storage, screw conveyors, filters, and dust control systems ensure continuous dust-free feeding to mixers. -
Concrete Mixer (e.g. Twin-shaft or Planetary Mixer)
Produces homogeneous mixing to prevent weak blocks. Many of our machines use planetary mixers with high mixing uniformity. -
Block Molding / Pressing Unit
The heart of the system. It uses vibration + hydraulic press (or compaction) to mold concrete into blocks. Precise control over vibration frequency, amplitude, and pressure is vital. -
Demolding / Stripping Mechanism
After compaction, molds open, and blocks are stripped from molds onto pallets or trolleys. -
Stacking / Palletizing / Conveying
Robots or stackers automatically place blocks in layers on pallets or guide them into curing chambers. This reduces manual labor and speeds throughput. -
Curing / Drying Chambers or Steam Curing
Maintains humidity and temperature to cure blocks safely before shipping. -
PLC / Control & Monitoring System
Controls all subsystems, tracks production data (cycle time, faults, counts), and allows parameter adjustment.
Each component must be sized and matched properly. In my oversight of installations, mismatches (e.g. undersized conveyor, weak stacking robot, or insufficient foundation) are the top causes of performance issues.
How Can You Evaluate Whether a System Truly Solves Your Pain Points?
Customers often tell me: “We need to cut labor, reduce defects, scale output.” But sometimes their understanding is vague. Here’s how I advise them to evaluate:
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Labor reduction: Track how many operators you need now vs projected with full automation (often can cut by 50-70 %).
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Block quality consistency: Monitor block size deviation, strength, and rejection rate. A quality auto system should reduce rejects to <1 %.
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Uptime & maintenance overhead: Ask the vendor for Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) data, spare parts list, local service support.
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Raw material flexibility: Can the system handle local aggregate sizes, dust content, or variations in cement quality?
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Scalability: As demand grows, can you add more lines, upgrade vibration motors, or expand automation?
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Return on Investment (ROI): Compare total cost (machine + site prep + power + maintenance) vs the incremental profit from extra blocks produced.
In many projects I’ve worked, clients reach ROI in 2–4 years if the line is well utilized (e.g. > 60 % capacity).
What Does Installation, Commissioning, and Maintenance Look Like?
From my field experience, a smooth startup is key. Here’s the phased approach I always follow with clients:
Installation & Commissioning Steps
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Site preparation (leveling, foundation, drainage, power provision)
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Mechanical assembly (frame, conveyors, stacking robots)
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Electrical wiring & power systems
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Control system setup & PLC programming
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Empty dry runs (without material) to test movement sequences
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Trial production & calibration (adjust vibration, pressure, mix recipes)
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Training of local operators and maintenance staff
Maintenance Best Practices
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Daily: clean molds, check hydraulic oil, inspect pumps, belt tension
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Weekly: lubrication, belt alignment, check sensors & wires
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Monthly: full inspection of hydraulic cylinders, vibration motors, grounding
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Replacements: keep critical spares (hydraulic seals, sensors, PLC modules)
If neglected, vibration motors or mold wear tend to degrade performance first — in many projects I’ve intervened, a worn mold or misaligned vibration caused up to 10 % extra rejects.
What Success Stories & Use Cases Illustrate the Value?
Over the years I’ve supported QGM installations in multiple countries. A few typical cases:
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In Country A, a factory switched from semi-manual block machines to our fully automatic system. Within a year, they tripled their production and reduced labor by 60%.
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In Country B, local raw materials had inconsistent aggregates. We tuned vibration parameters and mold design to accommodate them, and we later upgraded their line to add a second stacking robot.
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In Country C, we installed remote monitoring so the client’s central office could see production metrics in real time — useful in multi-site management.
These stories show what’s possible when technical design, installation, and after-sales support are done right.
How Should You Approach Selecting a Vendor (and Why QGM Stands Out)?
When clients ask me “Why choose QGM over others?”, here is what I tell them:
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We have decades of cumulative experience and have refined designs based on real operating feedback
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We support customization (we don’t force you into a cookie-cutter model)
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Our after-sales support network (spare parts, local technicians, remote diagnostics) is strong
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We stress test our machines under client raw material conditions before shipment
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We emphasize knowledge transfer — training your local team to own the machine long term
When evaluating other vendors, I advise you to ask: "Can you run my raw material test for me?", "What is your MTBF and spare-parts lead time?", "Will you train our team on site?", "Do you support remote monitoring and diagnostics?"