Welcome to the UNIK FAQ page. Here you will find answers to the most common questions about our concrete moulds, brick machines, custom solutions, and services. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please contact our technical support team directly.
Products & Technical Specifications
1. What types of moulds does UNIK manufacture?
UNIK manufactures a comprehensive range of precision steel moulds for the concrete products industry, including paver tile moulds, hollow block moulds, solid block moulds, road curb moulds, interlocking tile moulds, slab moulds, and custom-designed moulds for special architectural profiles. Our moulds are engineered for use with concrete, cement, and other masonry materials .
2. What steel grades does UNIK use for mould manufacturing?
We select steel grades based on your specific application. For standard concrete mixes with medium to high production volumes, we recommend 42CrMo alloy steel. For highly abrasive mixes – such as those containing sharp sand, recycled aggregates, or decorative aggregates – we recommend Cr12MoV tool steel for its superior wear resistance. We do not use a "one steel fits all" approach .
3. What is the surface hardness and heat treatment process?
All UNIK moulds undergo a carburizing heat treatment process that creates a hard, wear-resistant surface while maintaining a tough, impact-absorbing core. The surface hardness reaches HRC 58–62, while the core remains at HRC 35–40. The carburized layer thickness is 1.3–1.5 mm. This "hard shell, resilient core" design prevents brittle cracking common in fully hardened moulds .
4. What dimensional tolerances and surface finish does UNIK guarantee?
We maintain strict precision standards for all moulds:
Single cavity dimension tolerance: ±0.1 mm
Cavity height (filling depth) tolerance: ±0.5 mm
Surface finish: Ra 1.6 or better
Internal corner radius: 3–5 mm (to eliminate stress concentration points)
Unilateral presser foot clearance: 0.2–0.4 mm
Overall mould plate flatness: ≤0.5 mm
5. How many production cycles can a UNIK mould deliver?
Under normal production conditions with standard concrete mixes, UNIK moulds are engineered to deliver 80,000 to 100,000 cycles. With proper maintenance, some moulds have exceeded 120,000 cycles in field conditions. This lifespan significantly exceeds the industry average of 60,000–80,000 cycles .
6. What is the typical production cycle time with UNIK moulds?
Our moulds, when paired with the UNT series block machines, achieve cycle times of 11–15 seconds per block, compared to the industry average of 18–25 seconds. This efficiency gain translates to higher daily output and improved return on investment .
7. What is the minimum order quantity?
UNIK supports one set minimum order quantity. We serve customers of all sizes, from small contractors to large-scale industrial producers .
Custom & OEM/ODM Solutions
8. Does UNIK offer custom mould designs (OEM/ODM)?
Yes. UNIK provides comprehensive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) services. We can manufacture moulds based on your technical drawings, CAD files, physical samples, or even an existing worn mould. For ODM projects, our engineering team can develop the design from your product concept and production requirements .
9. Can UNIK produce moulds to fit my specific block machine brand?
Yes. UNIK moulds are engineered to fit over 20 leading block machine brands, including:
European brands: HESS, MASA, ZENITH, BESSER, Poyatos, Rometa, KVM
American brands: Columbia, BESSER
Asian brands: TIGER (Japan), Qunfeng, Hengxing, Quangong
For machines not listed, we can manufacture custom mounting interfaces based on your specifications, drawings, or existing moulds .
10. How long does it take to produce a custom mould?
Standard lead time is 20–25 calendar days after final drawing approval. For urgent requirements, we can offer expedited service with a 12–15 day lead time at a 20% premium. Custom pattern designs may add 5–7 days to the timeline .
11. Can UNIK incorporate my logo or custom surface textures into the mould?
Yes. We can integrate proprietary designs, branding elements, logos, or unique surface patterns (such as wood grain, slate, or stone textures) into the mould cavity. This distinguishes your products in the marketplace and creates a unique product identity .
Maintenance & Care
12. How should I clean and maintain my UNIK mould?
Proper maintenance extends mould life significantly. We recommend:
Clean after each shift: Remove all concrete residue using soft, non-abrasive tools (brass, nylon, or wooden scrapers). Avoid metal tools that can scratch the cavity surface.
Apply release agent: Use a high-quality form-release agent on all forming surfaces before each production run.
Inspect regularly: Check cavity surfaces for scratches, pitting, or material buildup. Monitor presser foot clearance and ejector pin condition.
Store properly: Clean moulds thoroughly, apply a rust-preventative coating, and store in a dry, flat position away from extreme temperatures .
13. What is the recommended clearance between the presser foot and cavity?
The unilateral clearance between the presser foot and the mould cavity should be maintained at 0.2–0.4 mm. This critical gap ensures proper compaction and prevents material leakage (flash). If clearance exceeds 0.4 mm, we recommend replacing the presser foot .
14. Can UNIK refurbish my worn mould?
Yes. UNIK offers professional refurbishment services, including:
Re-grinding of cavity surfaces to restore dimensional accuracy and surface finish
Replacement of core pins, pin plates, wear sleeves, and other wear components
Re-heat treatment when necessary
Anti-corrosion coating application
Refurbishment typically costs 50–60% of a new mould and restores it to 80–90% of its original lifespan. Our clients have reported refurbished moulds achieving 80% of original life at 40% of the cost of new moulds .
Ordering, Shipping & Support
15. What are UNIK's payment terms?
For first-time customers, we typically request a 30% deposit with the 70% balance due before shipment. Payment is accepted via T/T (bank wire transfer). Long-term customers may qualify for different terms based on their order history and credit assessment .
16. What shipping methods does UNIK use and what are the packaging standards?
We ship moulds FOB from Xiamen or Quanzhou ports by sea. Each mould is securely packed in a IPPC-compliant, fumigated wooden crate with heavy-duty foam protection to prevent damage during transit. We provide all necessary export documentation, including commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading .
17. What warranty does UNIK provide?
Every UNIK mould comes with a 12-month warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Our commitment is backed by our quality management system and over 15 years of industry experience .
18. Does UNIK provide spare parts?
Yes. We maintain an inventory of common spare parts for rapid dispatch, including:
Wear sleeves and core pins
Press plates and locking inserts
Pin plates and liner plates
Ejector pins
Dowel pins
These components are designed for quick replacement to minimize production downtime .
19. What technical support does UNIK offer after purchase?
UNIK provides comprehensive after-sales support:
Same-day remote technical support via email, WhatsApp, or video call during business days
Troubleshooting guidance from team members with production floor experience
Installation instructions and maintenance recommendations
On-site training for machine orders (mould-only orders receive detailed drawings and video support)
Refurbishment services to extend mould life .
20. Can UNIK provide third-party inspection before shipment?
Yes. We accommodate third-party inspections by agencies such as SGS or BV at your cost, with no scheduling delay. Every mould already ships with a hardness test report and a dimensional inspection report showing measured values against the approved drawing .
Company & Quality Assurance
21. Where is UNIK located and how long has the company been in business?
UNIK was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China – the historic starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. With over 15 years of experience, we have become a globally recognized leader in concrete mould manufacturing .
22. What quality certifications does UNIK hold?
UNIK operates under a rigorous quality management system. Our certifications include ISO 9001:2015, CE, and SGS. We also hold product-specific certifications such as PVOC for exports to Kenya. All steel used is sourced from certified mills and is accompanied by material test reports .
23. How many countries does UNIK export to?
UNIK serves clients in over 28 countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and Europe. Our global case studies include projects in the Philippines, Kenya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Ireland .
24. Does UNIK provide on-site installation and training?
Yes. For block machine orders, UNIK provides on-site installation guidance and operator training. For mould-only orders, we provide detailed installation drawings, video support, and remote technical assistance to ensure proper integration with your production line .
Still Have Questions?
Our technical support team is ready to assist you. Contact us for personalized guidance on your specific production requirements.
Fujian Unik Mould Technology Co., Ltd.
Website: www.unikmould.com
Location: Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
Founded: 2010
Exports to: 28 countries
