Figure 2: A 'single action' tile press.
Greatest flexibility is provided using a 'double action' (figure 1) press for high demand flat
roof tiles with a 'single action' (figure 2) press for ridge tiles. By double action we mean that
there are two lower dies, so while one die is being emptied of a finished tile and loaded with
clay, the other die is being pressed. The double action press gives a great range of production
levels as it can easily be used as a single action press if the factory needs to operate at low
capacity, while its peak production rate is twice that of a single action press with very little
additional cost. Its peak production (12 tiles per minute can be expected) is only eight per
cent less than a modern, expensive electric revolver press!