Rampf tests machine-molded texture

Rampf Molds Industries arrived at 2011 Icon Expo in Las Vegas with a prototype of  blocRoc, equipped to add textures to building block or retaining wall unit faces. The mold’s vertical belt rotates randomly to impart different textures from one board to the next; fabricated from a Uniroyal polyurethane, it is equal to 2,000–4,000 cycles. The Hagerstown, Md.-based manufacturer continues testing blocRoc toward a commercial version. — 301/791-6880; www.rampf-na.com