Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved process for the manufacture of concrete roof tiles having cut-back sidelock portions such that the tiles are flash free. The process involves the moulding of tiles on pallets which are provided with cut-away portions corresponding to the cut-back sidelock portions to be formed on the tiles and cutting the ribbon of mortar formed in a line of pallets with a knife which cuts the ribbon of mortar to form discrete tiles and to cut back the sidelock portions of the tiles at the same time. The tiles are flash free due to the action of the knife with the cut-away portions of the pallets.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing concrete roof tiles having the appearance of shake by providing the leading edges of successive tiles with a randomly shaped leading edge. The method comprises forming a ribbon of mortar on a series of tile forming pallets; and effecting rupture of the ribbon at joints between successive pallets by causing a leading pallet to accelerate away from the remaining pallets to create a gap therebetween.