Masonry Magazine May 2007 Page. 26
TECHNOLOGY
THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND BRICKS
PLANT AUTOMATION IS MAKING BETTER BRICKS WITHOUT RAISING PRICES
In Hanson Brick's fully computerized Monroe 3 brick plant, computerized robot arms unload green bricks from a conveyor belt and place them on the kin car for drying and firing.
FIFTY YEARS AGO, MASONS HAD ONE CHOICE FOR BRICK: RED BRICK. Today, the selections have increased exponentially, allowing for an expansive range of options.
"Technology has allowed for more brick sizes, textures and colors. For instance, rollers attached to the production line after the clay is extruded can create rolled edges, dents and other 'aged' markings and texturing on the brick faces," said Dave Peters, project engineer for Hanson Brick & Tile in Charlotte, N.C. "This type of automated procedure can also create simulated tumbling or brick that has a beaten or aged appearance."
By Brett Martin