CSTRI develops solar operated silk spinning machine

The machine, to be launched in the 12 year plan, would be extremely useful in areas where acute shortage of power supply exists

The Bangalore-based Central Silk Technological Research Institute (CSTRI), functioning under the aegis of Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles in Bangalore, has developed a low cost solar operated silk spinning machine for improving the quality of Eri Silk hand spun yarn.

The newly developed spinning machine can be operated both by solar power as well as by paddle operations. This machine is capable of producing up to 200 gms spun yarn in the count range of 10s to 15s which is almost two and a half times the production by takli, the traditional hand spinning device.

The quality of the yarn produced is better compared to other hand spinning devices. The solar operated spinning machine not only ensures improved productivity, quality in hand
spun silk production and working conditions but also helps in removing a few drawbacks of the earlier model, the CSTRI said in a statement.

The Central Silk Board plans to launch this machine during the 12th five-year plan period (2012-17). It is expected the device would be extremely useful in areas where acute shortage of power supply exists.