Installing a new brick making machine is an exciting step for any brick or block production project. But once the machine is installed, it should not be put straight into full production.

Before the first production run, several important parts should be checked, including the electrical system, hydraulic system, bolts, mould, lubrication and raw materials.

A few minutes of checking before startup can help prevent unnecessary downtime, machine problems and production issues later.

So, what should you check before using a Brick Making Machine for the first time?

1. Check the Power Supply and Electrical System

Before starting the machine, make sure the power supply meets the machine's requirements.

Check that the electrical connections are correct and that the control cabinet, motor, cables and other electrical components are properly connected.

For machines being installed in different countries, it is particularly important to confirm that the local power conditions match the machine's specifications.

Do not start the machine before the electrical connections have been properly checked.

2. Check the Hydraulic System

For a hydraulic brick making machine, the hydraulic system is one of the most important working systems.

Before startup, check:

• Hydraulic oil level
• Hydraulic pipes and connections
• Oil hoses and fittings
• Possible oil leaks
• Any visible damage around the hydraulic system

If you find a loose connection or hydraulic oil leak, solve the problem before operating the machine.

A simple check at this stage can prevent a small hydraulic problem from becoming a larger one during production.

3. Check the Bolts and Connecting Parts

A new machine may have been transported over a long distance before reaching the customer's factory.

During transportation, lifting and installation, some connecting parts may need to be checked again.

Pay particular attention to important connections around the machine frame, mould, hydraulic system and moving components.

If any important bolt or connection is loose, tighten it before starting production.

It may seem like a small step, but it is especially important when a machine has just been installed.

4. Check the Mould

The mould directly affects the size and shape of the Bricks or blocks, so it should be checked carefully before the first production run.

Make sure the mould is:

• Installed correctly
• Properly fixed
• Free from foreign materials
• Properly aligned with the machine

Also check whether there is any material left inside the mould from installation or previous testing.

An incorrectly installed mould can affect brick quality and may also cause unnecessary wear on the machine.

5. Check the Lubrication

A brick making machine contains many moving mechanical parts.

Before the first operation, check the lubrication points according to the machine's operating instructions. Use the recommended lubricant for the relevant components.

Being a new machine does not mean that lubrication can be ignored.

Proper lubrication helps reduce friction and unnecessary wear during operation.

6. Check the Raw Materials and Mix

Checking the machine is important, but the raw materials are just as important.

Before production, make sure the required materials are prepared and that the mixture has been properly mixed.

Depending on the type of brick or block, the production mix may include materials such as:

• Cement
• Sand
• Aggregates
• Soil
• Other locally available materials

The correct mix proportion and moisture content depend on the product and the actual materials being used.

If the mixture is not prepared properly, the machine may run normally while the finished bricks still have problems such as inconsistent strength, poor shaping or damaged edges.

A brick making machine forms the product, but the machine alone does not determine the final brick quality.

7. Run the Machine Without Material First

For a newly installed machine, this is an important step before formal production.

According to the machine's operating instructions, run the machine without production material and observe whether the different systems work normally.

Pay attention to:

• Motor operation
• Hydraulic system
• Movement of the mould and other components
• Unusual sounds
• Excessive vibration
• Oil leaks
• Whether the controls correspond correctly to the machine's movements

If anything unusual is found during the test run, stop the machine and check the cause before continuing.

8. Don't Rush to Maximum Production

When using a new brick making machine for the first time, the goal should not be to reach maximum production immediately.

Instead, first confirm:

Is the machine running smoothly?

Are the bricks forming correctly?

Are the raw materials and production settings working well together?

Check the dimensions, appearance, density and demoulding of the first batches of bricks.

Once the machine and production process are stable, production efficiency can gradually be increased.

For customers starting a new brick making business, this approach is usually more practical than immediately trying to achieve the highest possible output.

What Should You Check After the First Production Run?

The checks should not stop once the first batch of bricks has been produced.

After production, it is a good idea to carry out a basic inspection and cleaning.

Clean the Machine

Remove leftover material from the machine, especially around the mould and forming area.

If concrete or other production material is allowed to harden on the machine, it can make the next production run more difficult.

Check for Oil Leaks

Inspect the hydraulic pipes, cylinders and connections for any signs of new leaks.

Check the Bolts Again

After the machine has run for the first time, check important connecting parts again to make sure nothing has become loose.

Inspect the Mould

Check whether the mould shows any unusual wear, deformation or damage.

Lubricate the Required Parts

Carry out lubrication according to the machine's maintenance instructions.

Train the Machine Operators Before Production

The condition of the machine is important, but the operator also plays an important role.

Before starting production, operators should understand:

• Normal startup and shutdown procedures
• The function of the control buttons
• Emergency stop procedures
• Normal operating parameters
• Daily cleaning and lubrication
• What to do when an abnormal situation occurs

Do not allow an untrained operator to operate the machine independently.

If the machine suddenly produces unusual noise, excessive vibration, hydraulic oil leakage or abnormal bricks, stop the machine and investigate the cause.

First-Time Brick Making Machine Checklist

For a quick reference, here is a simple checklist for a new machine:

Check	What to Confirm
Power supply	Voltage and electrical connections
Hydraulic system	Oil level, pipes, fittings and leaks
Bolts	Important connections are tight
Mould	Correct installation and secure fixing
Lubrication	Required points are properly lubricated
Raw materials	Materials and mix are prepared correctly
Test run	Motor, hydraulic system and moving parts work normally
First production	Brick size, shape and forming quality
After production	Cleaning, inspection and lubrication

Common Questions About Using a New Brick Making Machine

Can I start production immediately after installing a new brick making machine?

It is better not to start full production immediately. First check the electrical system, hydraulic system, bolts, mould, lubrication and other important components. Then carry out a test run according to the machine's operating instructions.

Does a new brick making machine need hydraulic oil?

If the machine uses a hydraulic system, check the hydraulic oil level and the oil type specified by the manufacturer. Different machines may use different hydraulic systems, so always follow the machine's instructions rather than choosing oil at random.

Why should I check the bolts on a new machine?

The machine may have experienced vibration during transportation and installation. Checking important bolts and connections before the first operation helps ensure that the machine is properly assembled.

Should a new brick making machine be tested without material?

A test run without production material is generally recommended according to the manufacturer's operating procedure. It allows the operator to check the motor, hydraulic system, moving components and controls before starting actual production.

Can I run the machine at maximum capacity during the first production?

It is better to start gradually. First check the machine's operating condition and the quality of the bricks. Once the machine and production process are stable, production can be increased.

Does a brick making machine need to be cleaned after production?

Yes. Production material should be cleaned from the mould, forming area and other relevant parts after production. Removing material before it hardens makes daily maintenance much easier.

What should I do if the machine makes an unusual noise during the first run?

Stop the machine and check the cause. Unusual noise, excessive vibration, hydraulic oil leakage or abnormal brick formation should not be ignored. If the cause cannot be identified, contact the machine supplier's technical team.

Final Thoughts

When using a brick making machine for the first time, the goal is not to start production as quickly as possible. The goal is to make sure the machine is ready for stable production.

From the power supply and hydraulic system to the mould, bolts, lubrication, raw materials and test run, each check can help prevent avoidable problems.

For a new brick making machine, Block Making Machine or hydraulic brick making machine:

Installation completed ≠ Ready for full production.

A proper inspection, test run and trained operator are the first steps toward reliable brick production.

If you are planning to purchase a brick making machine and need advice on machine selection, installation or operation, contact Shunya Machinery to discuss your production requirements.