Why is the stiff-mud process compared to squeezing toothpaste from a tube?

The stiff-mud process is compared to squeezing toothpaste from a tube because of the way the material is shaped during production. In this method, clay is mixed with water to achieve a plastic consistency and is then forced through a die.1

This action extrudes a continuous column of clay, much like toothpaste being pushed out of its container. This extruded column establishes two dimensions of the final unit, while wires are used to cut the column to the required length, providing the third dimension. This technique is the standard method for manufacturing all structural clay tile and a significant portion of brick products.12