Determine Quality with Interlocking Paving Stone Moulds

Interlocking paving stones, an essential ingredient in construction, road construction, and especially landscaping, add both aesthetic appeal and high durability to surfaces. The most critical component, which ensures the desired shape, size, and texture of these stones, is the interlocking paving stone molds. These molds are the fundamental components of the machine that presses the concrete mixture into the final product. The characteristics of these molds, which allow for different patterns and colors to be created, directly influence the production process.

Interlocking paving stones (concrete blocks) lie in rows on the ground. These blocks, in varying shades of brown, represent finished products that have been left to dry in the sun or are curing.

What is an Interlocking Paving Stone Mould and How Does It Work?

Interlocking Paving Stone Molds generally consist of two main parts: an upper and a lower part. The concrete or mortar mixture is placed in a block or paving stone machine and poured into the mold. It is compressed under high pressure to the desired shape. The material is then removed from the mold and allowed to cure. The design of Interlocking Paving Stone Molds is geometrically optimized to ensure the interlocking properties of the stones are not disrupted. These interlocking ratios ensure a more stable and more resistant floor under load after installation. Molds are available in different sizes and designs for different machines (e.g., block making machines).

Common Types of Interlocking Paving Stone Molds

Parking blocks come in many different models depending on their intended use. Molds allow for these differences. The most preferred interlocking paving stone molds include:

• Rectangular and Square Molds: These are the most classic and widely used types.

• Octagonal and Hexagonal Molds: These are models with high decorative value, making the interlocking gaps more visible.

• Special Motif Molds: These are molds designed for more artistic landscaping projects such as tulips, crowns, zigzags, or drops.

With improved production systems, molds are no longer simply shaped; they also allow for double-layered production (with different colors or textures on top and bottom), enhancing the visual richness of the project.

Factors Affecting Mold Durability and Pricing

The prices of Interlocking Paving Stone Moulds are not fixed; they vary significantly depending on the quality of the materials used in production, the sheet metal used, and the manufacturing technique.

Important Note: Deformation and wear increase costs before the life of the machine. Therefore, durable interlocking paving stone moulds should be preferred over inexpensive moulds.

Key factors for mold life:

1. Sheet Metal Quality: High-strength steels (e.g., ST52 or HARDOX) should be preferred.

2. Sheet Metal Thickness: Thicker sheets (generally 12 mm and above) are more resistant to mortar and machine-induced wear.

3. Manufacturing Method: Precision-manufactured molds, such as CNC cutting, perform longer due to their tight tolerances.

Because molds aren't constantly subjected to high pressure and load, the use of durable materials means less maintenance and replacement, which is desirable for longer periods of time.