Design of a Semi-Automatic Handloom for Women.

Product Design Project 3
Guide : Prof. V P Bapat
IDC, IIT Mumbai
North Eastern Region of the country has maximum numbers of handlooms primarily operated by women weavers and has low productivity to provide gainful employment through weaving. To improve this situation, high productive semi-automatic handlooms are best solution for the common weavers. In a Semi-Automatic Handloom, although the motive power is provided by the weaver manually, it's various motions are synchronised to obtain automatic actuations of the selective motions.

However existing manual semi-automatic handloom like Nepal type pedal operated, except for an electric motor, is a powerloom in all other aspects and not suitable for women weavers. SimilarlyTARA semi-automatic handloom with automatic take-up and let-off mechanism was found unsuitableby the women weavers in NER . Semi-automatic handloom developed by CSTRI of Central Silk Board with automatic take-up and let-off mechanism was found to be too big and heavy for women weavers on field trial in NE Region.

Aim of the project was to design an appropriate semi-automatic handloom for the women weavers.

Semi-automatic handloom designed is modular, it is easy to manufacture, assemble and transport.

Uses easily available handloom accessories.

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