Redesigning the Humble NMC (New Model Charkha)

Abstract

New Model charkha (NMC) are very popular across the country(India) for producing coarse to fine count cotton, blended and worsted yarns. This microsize machine consisting of six to eight spindles (production positions) is turned by hand in a sitting posture by the village women. The earnings made by producing yarns help in supplementing the income of the family and empower the village women. To enhance income and reduce drudgery, an effort has been made to improve productivity and ease of operation by suitably modifying the existing design. In the design, mode and means of motion transmission have been redesigned. Reduction in rotating elements (gears and pulleys), addition of bearings, and stabilizing ring rail movement have been undertaken. The modified charkhas have received positive feedback from the users.