| Verified production capacity | Saleable blocks per hour or shift for the exact block size, mold, mix, and number of operating shifts. | Request a witnessed production test. Record cycle time, stoppages, rejected blocks, and finished units over a stated period. Compare like-for-like products and operating conditions. | 20% |
| Product range and mold flexibility | Supported block dimensions, hollow or solid designs, pavers, mold-change time, and availability of replacement molds. | Confirm the machine can make each intended product with the proposed mold. Ask for drawings, changeover instructions, and a demonstration using the required product. | 12% |
| Block quality and consistency | Dimensional accuracy, surface finish, density, edge integrity, and compressive strength of cured products. | Measure sample blocks and have representative cured samples tested using the applicable local product standard. Compare results with the project specification. | 15% |
| Electrical supply and energy use | Rated voltage, phase, frequency, installed motor power, starting current, and energy consumed per production unit. | Match the nameplate and electrical drawings to the site supply. Measure kWh during a defined production run and report it per 1,000 saleable blocks or another consistent unit. | 10% |
| Automation and labor needs | Level of automatic control, feeding and stacking arrangements, operator tasks, and skills required for setup and troubleshooting. | Map the full production line, not just the press. Confirm the number of operators needed during a trial and identify which steps remain manual. | 10% |
| Reliability and maintenance | Wear-part life, maintenance intervals, fault diagnostics, hydraulic or mechanical service needs, and access to replacement parts. | Review the maintenance schedule and parts list. Ask for service records from comparable installations and confirm local availability and delivery times for critical parts. | 10% |
| Safety and compliance | Machine guarding, emergency stops, safe access, electrical protection, operating instructions, and applicable local workplace requirements. | Inspect the machine and documentation before purchase. Confirm applicable national rules and relevant machinery and electrical safety standards with a qualified reviewer. | 8% |
| Installation and site fit | Machine footprint, foundation requirements, working clearances, material flow, pallet handling, and connection requirements. | Compare supplier installation drawings with a site layout. Confirm foundation loads, access for delivery, utilities, and space for curing and finished-product storage. | 5% |
| Total cost of ownership | Purchase price plus installation, molds, freight, energy, labor, maintenance, consumables, and expected downtime. | Compare costs over the same ownership period and production plan. Use cost per saleable block rather than purchase price alone. | 7% |
| Training and after-sales support | Commissioning, operator training, technical documentation, response arrangements, and warranty terms. | Get support scope and warranty exclusions in writing. Confirm who provides commissioning, training, and troubleshooting after installation. | 3% |