Makiga Stabilized Soil Block Press

Product Description

The Stabilized Soil Block (SSB) Press by Makiga is a manual press machine that produces stabilized soil blocks (SSB). This can be various shapes, interlocking (ISSB) or non-interlocking. Makiga proposes that the press can produce blocks used for affordable housing, water storage and sanitation solutions.

Target SDGs

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Market Suggested Retail Price

$996.52

Market Suggested Retail Price (Secondary Currency)

100,000

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, NGOs

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Makiga Engineering Services Ltd

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include BLM-12-8M by EarthTek Inc., Hydraform M9, Adopress 5000, and Terrabric 2B.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Stabilized Soil Press can be used on a construction site or a small production facility.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

User Provision Model

The user buys directly from Makiga. They can contact the different offices in Africa, inquire directly on the website or contact them in social media to learn more.

Distributions to Date Status

Hundreds of thousands of construction machines have been exported.

System Dimensions

Unknown

Portability (yes/no)

Yes, it weighs 130kg.

Raw materials used

Soil, Cement

Recommended water content (ratio)

10-15%

Induced pressure (Mpa)

The press has a compression force of 80-100kN, which is approximately 2.5MPa on the brick surface.

Power source

Manually operated

Finished unit dimensions

29 x 14 x 11.5 cm

Rate of production (units/hour)

500, in an 8 hour day with 4 workers.

Curation duration (days)

14 (wet curing for 7 days, and then dry curing for another 7)

Suitable climate

Not suitable for cold climates unless necessary vapour barriers and insulation can be added. On their own ISSBs and CEBs do not hold up well to freeze/thaw cycles and have a low thermal insulation capacity.

Design Specifications

To manufacture an ISSB using this press, first the soil, cement and water is mixed. The ratio varies depending on the desired outcome. The mix is then placed inside the press and the lever is pushed down to compress the block. After this, the lever is turned to the other side to lift the block out of the press. The brick should be sprayed with water for the next seven days in order to cure it. Finally it must be left to dry cure for another 7 days. The press has four designs to create blocks of different shapes.

Standard Straight ISSB
Wide Straight ISSB
Standard Non-Interlocking SSB
Curved ISSB1

All four have a double action ejection stroke, adjustable mold blocks for different soils, and include training and manuals. Final dimensions of the bricks:

Type of block	Height	Width	Length
Straight double interlocking block	115	140	290
Curved double interlocking block		140
Wide format interlocking block	115	220	230
Straight simple interlocking block	115	140	290
Grooved double interlocking block	115	140	290

Product Schematics

Technical Support

The purchase includes training on operation and maintenance and an illustrated manual.

Replacement Components

It uses motor oil for lubrication. Repair can be made locally with welding and scrap materials.

Lifecycle

Unknown.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Produce stabilized soil blocks as strong as concrete blocks, in a low cost, eco-friendly and durable way. In an 8 hour day with 4 users, the machine should be able to produce 500 bricks.

Vetted Performance Status

All machines are tested before leaving the plant. The blocks have been tested to have a minimum compressive strength of 2.5 N/mm².

Safety

The machine must be placed on a leveled surface so there is no risk of it tipping over. Only trained personnel should operate it.

Complementary Technical Systems

A machine for roof tiles can paired to construct a complete building.

Academic Research and References

“Standard Straight Interlocking Block Press Machine”, Makiga Engineering Services, LTD, accessed on March 4, 2024, https://makiga-engineering.com/products/standard-straight-interlocking-block-press-machine/

UN-Habitat, 2017, Urban Energy Technical Note: Interlocking Stabilised Soil Blocks (ISSB)

Compliance with regulations

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KS012070), Uganda Bureau of Standards

Other Information

Makiga has a range of machines available for different applications in construction. “Contact information”, Makiga Engineering Services, LTD, accessed on March 4, 2024, https://makiga-engineering.com/contact-us/ Makiga Facebook Page

“About us”, Makiga Engineering Services, LTD, accessed on March 4, 2024, https://makiga-engineering.com/about-us/