QUICK MIX?
If you're already in full operation with any form of concrete wetmix or drymix production, then Doubell QuickMix is something you'll DEFINITELY be interested in!
Add some QuickMix to your water to solve many problems!
Do you experience any of these difficulties during the manufacture of bricks in your brickyard?
Bricks show signs of cracking on the outside right after extrusion
Bricks are sticking in the mould & difficult to push out
Blocks are not evenly compacted
Paving is very blotchy with signs of clumping on the surface of the paver
A scratching sound of the stones against the mould metal can be heard during extrusion
During mixing, aggregate is creating balls of coagulated cement mixture
Sand is "dead" & not clinging together well when simply squeezed in the hand
Most of these troubles & more can be solved with some Doubell QuickMix - And it does not add much to the unit costs of your production.
What is QuickMix?
QuickMix is a plasticiser - it will act like a soap for bricks by reducing the internal friction of the aggregate. In this way, cement can move easily amongst the particles to ensure uniform distribution within the mixture. This ultimately results in an even brick density after compaction.
Because the friction between the sand & stone particles is lubricated, the compaction is far more effective. Instead of having more compaction near the top where the tampering occurs; it will quickly be seen that the vertical cross-section of the block shows a more distributed density in compaction. This not only results in an overall stronger brick/block/paver but also offers superior aesthetic value of the outside appearance being smoother.
As well as internal friction of the brick being reduced, the friction between the formed brick and the mould of the brick-making machinery mould will minimal. This allows for the final brick product to slide out the mould easier during the final stage of the brick-making compaction cycle. Brickyard machine operators will find it easier & the block mould will last much longer against the otherwise harsher abrasion.
What does QuickMix NOT do?
Quickmix is NOT a hardener! In fact, most people misunderstand the term hardener. Technically, this refers to thechemical accelerator of the cement calcification process. It will essentially speed up the curing process such that bricks that would otherwise take 3 weeks to cure will now be ready in 6 days (depending on the chemical) provided enough water is present & that the exact ratio is used for the cement quantity.
Cement "hardeners" come at an increased cost. If you can support the cash flow, do NOT use this kind of additive; You will definitely make more profit in both the short & long term by avoiding this additional cost.
Instead, try some Quickmix - you'll be surprised how such an affordable liquid can improve the overall quality.
Any other "tricks" to use to improve quality?
One overlooked piece of advice is to add Builder's Lime to the mixture. In the "good ol' days" crushed limestone was the predecessor of cement & many of those structures / sculptures still stand today! It is usually procured at a fairly reasonable cost considering the improvement it can offer your bricks. A bucket for every 4 wheelbarrows should show marked improvement. Alternatively use 30-50% of the cement weight in lime additive, depending on the cost in your region.
