Method and device for producing engineered stone slabs

A method for the continuous production of engineered stone slabs, comprising the steps

• providing raw materials comprising at least one mineral filler and at least one organic binder,
• mixing the raw materials,
• applying the mixed raw materials to a continuously moving lower belt of a dual-belt press, or a continuously moving conveying means (8) mounted upstream of the lower belt,
• continuously pressing the mixed raw materials to form a pressed material strand,
• curing the organic binder, and
• separating the material strand to form individual engineered stone slabs,
• wherein the mixing of the raw materials is carried out in accordance with a first timing at staggered times in a batch mixing operation by means of at least two separate mixing devices,
• wherein the at least two mixing devices are supplied with a defined quantity of the raw materials before a respective batch mixing operation begins,
• wherein the mixed raw materials are transferred, in accordance with a second timing and at staggered times, from the at least two mixing devices into one, or multiple, spreading device(s), and the mixed raw materials are applied continuously and without interruption to the lower belt, or the conveying means mounted upstream of the lower belt, by means of the spreading device(s),
• wherein a supply container is provided for storing, and/or interim storing, the at least one mineral filler and another supply container is provided for storing the at least one organic binder,
• wherein the at least one mineral filler and the at least one organic binder are supplied to the at least two mixing devices for a respective mixing operation,
• wherein the mixing devices are fed with the raw materials via an inlet opening, and the mixed raw materials are emptied from the mixing devices via an outlet opening, and
• wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are closed for the respective mixing operation, so that the mixing operation is respectively carried out in a closed casing of the mixing devices.