Construction projects move faster and smarter with innovative technology that streamlines brick-making processes. An Automatic brick machine uses programmable controls and precise hydraulics to produce 5,000-20,000 uniform bricks per eight-hour shift whilst significantly reducing manual labour. These advanced systems automate material feeding, compaction, and moulding processes, helping builders meet high demands without sacrificing quality whilst cutting costs and minimising waste on construction sites.
What Is an Automatic Brick Machine?
An automatic brick machine uses programmable controls and high-precision hydraulics to mold raw construction materials into consistently sized and shaped bricks. This equipment automates all main brick-making processes, including material feeding, compaction, molding, and demolding. Automatic brick machines typically process materials like clay, cement, sand, or fly ash. Many models output 5,000–20,000 bricks per 8-hour shift, depending on their design and raw material mix.
Production lines with automatic brick machines usually include batching systems, mixers, conveyors, curing chambers, and stacking units to form integrated workflows. Lontto, with a sales network in Chicago, supplies automatic brick machines tailored for US construction standards. Their models—such as the QT series—support different mold configurations for making solid blocks, hollow bricks, and interlocking pavers. The machines allow local builders, developers, or precast plants to reduce manual labor, cut error rates, and increase daily brick output.
Lontto’s automatic brick machines often feature PLC (programmable logic controller) systems, sensor-driven operations, and robust frames for extended service life. These solutions fit high-volume production sites that prioritize speed, uniform quality, and reliable after-sales service.
Key Features of Automatic Brick Machines
Automatic brick machines offer high output, durable design, and tailored mold configurations for large-scale construction projects. Manufacturers like Lontto, with a supply center in Chicago, deliver these machines to concrete plants and contractors aiming to maximize productivity and reduce labor costs.
Production Capacity and Efficiency
Machine output directly impacts brick production rates on construction projects. Units like Lontto’s QT series produce 5,000–20,000 bricks in 8 hours, depending on model, material mix, and brick type. Cycle times range from 13 to 18 seconds per batch. Power consumption for fully automatic machines falls between 22 kW and 54 kW, matching high-volume demand while keeping operational costs manageable. Table 1 shows typical performance data for leading models:
| Model | Output per 8 hr shift | Cycle Time (sec) | Power Usage (kW) |
| QT4-18 | 5,000–9,000 | 15–18 | 22 |
| QT6-15 | 10,000–15,000 | 13–15 | 32 |
| QT8-15 | 15,000–20,000 | 13–14 | 54 |
Automation and Control Systems
PLC-based automated controls streamline brick production processes including feeding, mixing, molding, compression, and demolding. Lontto machines use integrated systems combining hydraulics and electronics to ensure precise operation and minimal operator input. Sensors and fault detection features monitor machine performance to increase safety and reduce risk of defects. Automated mold changes and self-locking controls speed up production lines, enabling consistent brick quality for each batch.
Types of Raw Materials Supported
Automatic brick machines process a wide selection of construction-grade inputs. Supported raw materials include clay, cement, fly ash, sand, stone powder, slag, coal gangue, furnace ash, and recycled concrete waste. Lontto models in Chicago support sustainable building practices by enabling the use of secondary aggregates and industrial byproducts. This flexibility allows production of eco-friendly cement bricks, fly ash blocks, and hollow pavers, meeting regional codes and environmental standards.
Advantages of Using an Automatic Brick Machine
Automatic brick machines deliver immediate productivity and cost advantages for construction projects. These systems maintain high output rates while minimizing operational errors and supporting sustainable building goals.
Cost Savings and Labor Reduction
Automatic brick machines reduce labor demand, requiring only 5–7 operators for each station. Sites report up to 60% lower labor costs compared to manual brick production (Lontto 2023). Businesses in Chicago using Lontto’s QT series, for example, benefit from fewer labor inputs while doubling or tripling daily output. The controlled automation eliminates most manual tasks—feeding, shaping, stacking—streamlining resource allocation. Energy-efficient motors in these machines cut power consumption, with operational loads between 22 kW and 54 kW per 8-hour shift. Maintenance costs decrease due to robust frame construction and automated self-check diagnostics that prevent unplanned downtime.
Consistency and Quality of Bricks
These machines ensure consistent brick dimension and density throughout each production batch. Computerized control systems regulate every step, limiting variation and defects. Lontto’s PLC-based models in Chicago produce bricks with uniform compressive strength, a requirement for commercial and municipal construction contracts. Mechanical vibration and hydraulic compaction systems increase density, producing structurally sound units. Quality assurance protocols built into each machine’s operation decrease waste, as less than 2% of batches need reprocessing. Customers also achieve better inventory management because supplied bricks meet required tolerances for immediate use.
Environmental Benefits
Automatic brick machines support sustainable construction by using recycled raw materials and eco-friendly inputs like fly ash and compressed earth. Lontto equipment in Chicago optimizes batch composition for these materials, reducing demand for clay and minimizing landfill waste. On-site production further decreases emissions associated with long-distance brick transport. Machines operate with up to 15% less electricity per output unit due to energy-saving drives and programmable logic control. Durable, recyclable bricks produced by these systems also extend lifecycle use, supporting green building certifications and project environmental targets.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
Automatic brick machine setups deliver consistent production benefits, yet key financial, technical, and operational factors may affect return on investment and implementation outcomes.
Initial Investment and Maintenance
Initial costs for automatic brick machines are significant, with Lontto’s QT series in Chicago ranging from $30,000 to $150,000 depending on automation level and capacity. Startups and small-scale operators may find such capital outlay restrictive. Ongoing maintenance preserves machine reliability, requiring regular lubrication, calibration, and prompt replacement of worn components. Operational expenses include electricity; models like QT4-25 or QT8-15 typically need 22-54 kW per cycle. Energy consumption impacts total cost of ownership if local rates are high. Untimely repairs or neglected upkeep reduce output consistency and increase downtime. Dedicated suppliers like Lontto provide after-sales parts, but users must schedule servicing to maintain strong performance in high-demand manufacturing environments.
Operator Training and Technical Support
Operator skill is necessary for efficient machine use, even in fully automated systems. Supervisors must understand PLC interfaces, routine troubleshooting, and safety protocols. Lontto supplies technical manuals and onsite commissioning for the QT series, but thorough training is required before routine production can start. Staff turnover or inexperienced operators can lead to errors or costly downtime. Reliable technical support shortens response times for troubleshooting. Lontto maintains a network in Chicago to support delivery, installation, and emergency service. Training courses, hotline assistance, and detailed documentation can reduce operational risks, but effective production depends on user mastery of the machine and prompt access to supplier-backed support services.
Leading Brands and Models in the Market
Automatic brick machine manufacturers supply precise, efficient solutions for high-volume brick production, meeting building demands worldwide. Lontto, GM Quangong Machinery (QGM), and Hydraform represent some of the strongest producers, each offering specialized machinery to suit regional and material requirements.
Comparison of Top Automatic Brick Machines
The table below presents key models offered by major brands, showing differences in capacity, power use, brick types, mobility, and features.
| Brand/Model | Production Capacity (pcs/8h) | Brick Types | Power Consumption | Mobility | Price (USD, ex-shipping) | Special Features |
| Lontto QMY10A | 19,200–28,800 | Hollow blocks | 16 kW | Mobile (360° wheels) | $18,000 | No pallet, high efficiency, user-friendly |
| Lontto QMY12A | 23,040–34,560 | Hollow & solid blocks | 16 kW | Mobile (hydraulic steering) | $21,500 | Hydraulic steering, vibration molding |
| Lontto LT4-10 | Not specified | Clay bricks (no firing) | Not specified | Stationary | Not specified | High capacity, efficient, clay-based, pallet-free |
| QGM T15/T10 | Not specified | Building blocks | Not specified | Stationary | Not specified | ISO certified, eco-friendly |
| Hydraform SE 860 | Not specified | Soil-cement interlocking | Not specified | Stationary | Not specified | Reduces mortar, durable, SABS approved |
| Henry QTJ4-24 | Not specified | Hollow, solid, pavement | Not specified | Stationary | Affordable | Versatile, stable, easy to operate |
Lontto supports block makers in Chicago with models like QMY10A and QMY12A, delivering output up to 34,560 blocks in 8 hours. QMY machines operate without pallets, lower handling costs, and suit mobile production on US job sites. Lontto’s stable PLC controls and reliable frames ensure uniformity and minimal downtime, meeting local construction needs with consistent brick quality.
Conclusion
Automatic brick machines continue to transform the construction landscape by delivering reliable performance and supporting sustainable building practices. Their integration of advanced controls and customizable features positions them as essential tools for builders seeking to boost productivity and maintain high standards.
Investing in the right machine and ensuring proper training can help businesses open long-term savings and operational efficiency. As technology advances and market options expand, automatic brick machines are set to play an even greater role in shaping the future of construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an automatic brick machine?
An automatic brick machine is equipment that uses programmable controls and hydraulics to mold raw materials like clay, cement, or fly ash into uniform bricks. It automates steps such as material feeding, molding, and demolding to boost brick output and quality.
How does an automatic brick machine improve construction projects?
Automatic brick machines streamline the brick-making process, increase efficiency, and ensure consistent brick quality. They help meet high brick demands, reduce manual labor, and lower operational errors, which leads to higher productivity and reduced costs on construction sites.
What materials can be used with automatic brick machines?
These machines can process a variety of raw materials, including clay, cement, sand, fly ash, and even recycled concrete waste, making them versatile for different construction requirements and sustainable projects.
What is the production capacity of automatic brick machines?
Depending on the model and raw materials used, automatic brick machines can produce between 5,000 and 20,000 bricks in an 8-hour shift, with high-end models reaching even greater outputs.
What are the main advantages of using automatic brick machines?
The primary benefits include increased efficiency, consistent quality, significant labor savings (up to 60% lower labor costs), and environmental benefits due to the use of recycled materials and reduced emissions.
What are the initial costs and ongoing expenses of these machines?
The initial investment for an automatic brick machine typically ranges from $30,000 to $150,000. Regular maintenance, including lubrication, calibration, and part replacement, is necessary for reliable operation and longevity.
Do operators require special training to use these machines?
Yes, training is essential. Operators must learn how to use the machine’s PLC interface, understand safety protocols, and perform routine maintenance. Suppliers often provide technical manuals and onsite training.
Are automatic brick machines suitable for small construction companies?
While highly efficient, the significant initial investment may be challenging for small startups. However, the productivity gains and cost savings can make them a worthwhile long-term investment for growing businesses.
Are automatic brick machines environmentally friendly?
Yes. These machines can utilize recycled materials and reduce energy consumption and emissions associated with manual brick production, supporting sustainable construction practices.
Which brands are popular for automatic brick machines in the US?
Leading brands include Lontto, GM Quangong Machinery (QGM), and Hydraform. These manufacturers offer models tailored to US construction standards and local needs, such as Lontto’s QT and QMY series.
