Clay Preparation and Raw Material Mix Verification

Inspection template for verifying clay, shale, and additive proportions, moisture content, and grind consistency during brick raw material preparation to control extrusion behavior and fired color.

Inspection Scope and Batch Identification

• Batch, lot, or production run identified before inspection begins
  Record the batch number, lot number, or production run identifier for the material being inspected.
• Approved formulation or mix specification available at point of use
  Verify the current approved recipe, formulation sheet, or SOP is accessible to the operator and inspector.
• Material traceability documented for clay, shale, and additives
  Confirm source identification and traceability records are available for all major raw materials used in the batch.

Raw Material Proportion Verification

• Clay proportion matches approved target range
  Enter the measured clay percentage in the blend and compare it to the approved formulation.
• Shale proportion matches approved target range
  Enter the measured shale percentage in the blend and compare it to the approved formulation.
• Additive proportion matches approved target range
  Enter the measured additive percentage in the blend, including tempering agents, color modifiers, or processing aids as applicable.

Moisture and Conditioning Control

• Blend moisture within target operating range
  Measure and record the moisture content of the prepared raw material blend.
• Moisture distribution appears uniform throughout the batch
  Assess whether the batch shows even conditioning without dry pockets, over-wet clumps, or segregation.
• Conditioning time or tempering time recorded
  Verify the batch was held, mixed, or tempered long enough to stabilize moisture before forming.

Grind, Particle Size, and Blend Uniformity

• Grind fineness meets process specification
  Record the measured grind or particle size result used by the plant, such as sieve retention, mesh size, or equivalent internal specification.
• No visible oversize lumps, foreign material, or hard agglomerates
  Inspect the prepared mix for oversized pieces, debris, or hard clods that could affect extrusion or surface finish.
• Blend appears homogeneous with no segregation of fines or coarse material
  Verify the mix is evenly blended and does not show layering, streaking, or separation during handling.

Extrusion and Fired Color Readiness

• Material condition suitable for stable extrusion
  Rate whether the prepared mix is expected to extrude smoothly without slumping, tearing, cracking, or excessive die pressure.
• Mix consistency supports target fired color
  Confirm the current material condition and formulation are within control limits to support consistent fired color.
• Any formulation or process deviation documented and escalated
  Record whether any deviation from the approved mix, moisture target, or grind specification was identified and communicated to supervision or quality.