Paving stone production: equipment, technology

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Different materials are used to cover playgrounds and garden paths. If earlier stone formed the basis of this segment, today even rubber panels with wood can be used for such flooring. But these are, rather, design variations on the theme of street paving, and in practical terms, vibropressed paving stones have almost no competitors. The material has long been established in its niche and, remarkably, generally retains the classic manufacturing technique. Actually, a simple production technique makes it possible to produce paving stones even in artisanal conditions. But in any case, to obtain a high-quality result, it is necessary to observe technological subtleties using the right equipment.

Paving stones in the paving slab family

Usually paving stones are called the material from which the square or path is laid out. However, in the classical sense, this term still refers to the coating itself. Also, paving stones can be attributed to a stone of a certain size, from which paving is made. Against the background of improving technologies for the construction of roads and pedestrian surfaces, the requirements for flooring elements have also changed. Thus, paving stones entered the general group of paving slabs. InIn any case, the production techniques of these materials overlap in many respects. The differences are in the ingredients. Thus, the manufacture of paving stones usually involves the use of dense stone, clay or limestone. In the simplest designs, concrete can also be used. Under the condition of high-quality manufacturing, it is possible to obtain wear-resistant and durable elements for coatings with different characteristics. There are also modern variations that emphasize the decorative effect.

Vibrocompression technology

There are several methods for making paving stones, but the most common is vibrocompression. To implement this technology, special forms for paving stones are used, which form a matrix located on the platform. The main task of the equipment is to ensure high-quality compaction of the mixture structure through vibrations. A punch is used along with the mold. This is a kind of piston, which also contributes to the compaction of the solution through oscillatory movements. Thus, the function of pressing the mass is performed, from which elements for coating are subsequently made.

Externally, the design of such equipment is a cellular matrix, which can be made by hand. However, the industrial production of paving stones involves the connection of fairly powerful engines, which provide the effect of vibrocompression. The characteristics of the future tile largely depend on the quality of the force impact. True, and the composition tooplays an important role.

Hyperpress method

As in the case of vibrocompression, this technology aims to ensure the maximum possible compaction of the mixture, from which dense and strong paving stones should be obtained in the future. Only approaches to achieve this result differ. Hyperpressing also involves in the process of realization of the form for paving stones, but in the very impact on the mixture does not provide for a vibration effect. The main stimulation occurs under the action of high pressure, which turns out to be a press. Depending on the required properties of the material, the load on the mixture can vary from 150 to 250 kg per 1 cm2. The choice of force action parameters also depends on the components of the composition. It should be noted that the pressure acts on the solution in the matrix, both in the process of setting and in the course of polymerization, that is, curing. It is this technological nuance that gives paving stones increased compressive strength.

Hyper pressing equipment

As noted above, the use of the technology requires a special press, which will exert pressure, followed by compaction. The most common hydraulic units with one- and two-way action. In the first case, the machines are equipped with one cylinder, which provides an action on the matrix. The work of bilateral units provides for the impact on the form itself and on the punch. That is, in this case, a more productive production of paving stones is realized, althoughquality from double exposure may suffer. True, double-sided machines provide not only a quantitative increase in production indicators, but also improve individual quality characteristics. In particular, the use of such a press makes it possible to minimize the compaction gradient. Also, the design features of such equipment eliminate the need for pallets.

Production of stone blocks by vibrocasting

This is one of the most technologically complex ways of making paving stones. This is explained by the requirements for the initial mass, and the need to use several principles for processing the solution. Unlike the previous methods, in this case, the heating of the material is also provided in order to accelerate the polymerization. But the basic principle remains traditional. Like the mortar from which vibropressed paving stones are made, the mixture for this technology is initially placed in a special form. But instead of a conventional matrix, a vibrating table with a vibrating surface is used. Due to the vibration effect, the compaction effect is again achieved, after which the material is transferred to the room where the evaporating heaters are operating. Under such conditions, blanks for future paving stones dry and gain optimal strength. As a rule, the final acquisition of operational qualities occurs after a month.

Vibrocasting equipment

The central place in the production complex is occupied by a forming vibratorya table that, by means of a special drive, excites vibrations of the mixture. As a result, the function of compacting the solution is performed. As a rule, the vibrating machine for the production of paving stones is supplied without a transformer, therefore, it is necessary to provide the equipment with appropriate electrical equipment in a separate order. Depending on the requirements for the production process, transformers with a power of 2.5-5 kW are used. To simplify production, sometimes electric vibrators are also used, which can be supplemented with installations for compacting solutions. A feature of this combination is the possibility of screening loose mixtures through a vibrating unit and at the same time providing a pressing seal.

Features of the production of clinker paving stones

Like ordinary clinker, this type of paving stone is more like a brick, but with increased strength properties. This is achieved largely through the use of special grades of clay. The very same production of clinker paving stones is focused not on compaction processes by means of vibration and pressing machines, but on firing technologies. The manufacturing process begins with the grinding of the primary composition, after which the mixture is squeezed into molds through a special extruder.

Followed by the first exposure to thermal radiation. Forms are placed in special chambers, where the mass is heated from different sides. At the final stage, the production of paving stones in the form of clinker involves firing in kilns at temperatures up to 1200°C.

Features of manufacturing granite paving stones

The technological process of forming paving stones from granite is also fundamentally different from the above methods. In this case, the mechanical processing of solid stone is realized by means of sawing machines. That is, manufacturers do not use any mixtures and modifying additives, which makes it possible to count on the environmental cleanliness of the coating. As a rule, the production of granite paving stones involves smooth processing of the stone along the edges in order to form square or rectangular smooth elements. But for various reasons, the use of fragments with uneven edges can also be justified - this is the so-called chipped paving stone.

Conclusion

Qualitatively laid paving stones are able to perform their functions for decades, without collapsing or deforming under mechanical stress. But, unfortunately, not every material of this type is associated with durability. Depending on the technology used for the production of paving stones, one can form an opinion about the possible performance of the product. If you need an inexpensive and versatile material, then you should give preference to cement-lime tiles, which are optimal for decorating playgrounds and paths near a private house. Clinker paving stones are suitable for the same purposes, but at the same time they also provide a decorative effect. If the strength of paving comes to the fore, then it is more expedient to rely on granite paving stones.