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The objective of proposed R&D projects aims to undertake the challenges faced by the brassware artisans in their business activities and provide them technological advancement in their manufacturing process. CSIR-NML proposes to:

• Develop a 5-axis CNC customized setup including indigenous design of nozzle for wax moulding process for rapid prototyping.

• Fine artwork of artefacts by introducing artistic mould by 3-D printing machine.

• Customize energy efficient brass melting furnace for increased productivity along with reduced product cost.

• Training to the brassware artisans in adopting technologically sound production methods

Brass and bell metal handicrafts are traditional cultural heritage of the Indian society. But, lack of innovation and modernization paves way to variety of problems ranging from raw material to marketing of products. The technological intervention, education and training of artisans, should be at the core of any effort in making them innovative and competitive in the international market. Brassware artisans across the country are still using handmade Moulding process including fine artwork of wax on the Mould. The artisans make a clay model of the desired artefact and cover it with a layer of beeswax with their skilled hands, which is time consuming and limits generating fine artistic work. The clay model with beeswax is then heated within a confined clay box. The wax melts and is drained out leaving a space with the shape of the original wax model which is used for casting. After casting, the artisans polish the artefacts using traditional knowledge. They also use home based traditional coke fired furnace for melting brass and bell metal which are energy inefficient and polluting. Most of the artisans are not aware of the quality of the products and aesthetic look and thus, they suffer in domestic and international markets. Brassware clusters need newer technological interventions in terms of saving energy, and thorough knowledge of quality and aesthetic look. Thus, the project aims to design and develop 5-axis CNC customized setup including indigenous design of nozzle for wax moulding process for brassware work. This consists of 5-axis table and nozzle motion mechanism by a dedicated customized CNC software, which will act as a compiler interface between CNC machine and the input of the required artistic design and art. CSIR-NML has developed cost effective, fuel efficient and eco-friendly furnace for brassware artisans The developed furnace substantially minimizes all the drawback of the existing traditional brass melting furnaces used by the brass and bell metal artisans. But, the it needs customization in terms of productivity and cluster size. The education and training of artisans, therefore, should be at the core of any effort in making them competitive and innovative.

• Customized energy efficient eco-friendly brass melting furnace and onsite installation for demonstration for increased productivity. Customized 5-axis CNC setup with indigenous nozzle design for improved Moulding of handicraft aesthetic appeal.

• Training and demonstration of developed processes to the Dokra artisans/entrepreneurs at CSIR-NML and at the artisans’ workplace.

• Popularizing the brassware activities.

The impact will be across the country who are involved in the brassware artefacts.