Development Alternatives TARAcrete MCR Tile Production Kit

Manufacturer
T.A.R.A. - Technology and Action
for Rural Advencement
B-32, TARA Crescent
Qutab Institutional Area
New Delhi-110 016
India
Tel. [..91] 11-696 7938 or 685 1158
Fax. [..91] 11-686 6031
e-mail: tara@sdalt.ernet.in

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Description

The TARA Vibrator is the result of design and production research at the Regional Centre for FCR/MCR Technology at Development Alternatives, New Delhi. The roofing tiles are being produced since 1988 and the TARA Vibrator since 1989.

The TARA Vibrator consists of an aluminium table top, which is vibrated by a rotating eccentric mass at a frequency of 2800 rpm, and an interchangeable hinged frame for the production of different shapes and thicknesses of tiles. The machine is powered by an electric motor (1/4 hp), driven from a mains supply of 230 volts.

A clear disadvantage of some of the vibrating machines available is their inability to control the vibration. The TARA Vibrator provides a unique mechanism suspended on leather belts, which allows for the vibration to be controlled by adjustable tie rods, depending on the type of cement mix, availability of materials and water-cement ratio. The machine operation is optimized to give a vibration time of about 45 seconds for high strength and minimum porosity of tiles.

Another special feature of the machine is a swivel seating arrangement for the operator to sit on, reducing the physical strain during tile making and permitting free rotation when the fresh tile is transferred to the mould stack at the side of the machine.

The machine requires very little maintenance, which is normally restricted to the changing of bearings after prolonged operation.

The TARA Vibrator is preferably used to produce micro-concrete tiles, because fibre reinforcement has proved to be a major constraint towards achieving high production and consistent quality of tiles. The micro-concrete mix consists of 1 part cement, 2 parts of graded sand and 1 pan of stone grit passing through 4 mm mesh. This mix requires a water-cement ratio between 0.45 and 0.5. With this mix and a labour force of 4 persons, a production rate of up to 200 tiles a day is easily achieved.

Together with the vibrating table, Development Alternatives supplies 200 self-stacking, high-impact polystyrene moulds (mounted on wooden frames) and the necessary accessory tools, such as trowels, scoops and quality control implements.

Training

Development Alternatives conducts training courses in MCR tile production for supervisors and masons. The courses, which are held in New Delhi or at one of the many collaborating institutions in India, not only deal with practical aspects, but also with economical aspects, management and marketing.

Operating the TARA Vibrator

Theoretically, MCR tiles can be made on the TARA Vibrator by a single person, but for an uninterrupted and constantly high production rate of about 200 tiles per day, a team of 4 persons is required.

The production process is principally the same as for all other screeding machines: clamping down a plastic sheet with the screeding frame, placing a measured amount of mortar on the screeding surface, spreading it out under vibration and smoothing the surface, filling the nib construction box, lifting the screeding frame, removing the plastic sheet with the screeded mortar and placing it on a the mould for setting. The main difference is that the operator can remain seated during the whole operation, even when placing the fresh tile on the mould, making the work less tiresome. The 3 helpers are mainly occupied with supplying the operator with fresh mortar and moulds, as well as other odd jobs.

The TARA Vibrator with a stack of moulds

Locally made polystyrene tile moulds

The TARA BALRAM soil block press (*), which is described in the GATE Product Information "Soil Block Presses". The BALRAM is a manually operated block press, which turns out two blocks per cycle and can achieve an output rate of 124 blocks per hour. The moulds can easily he changed, making it possible to produce blocks of different sizes and types, including perforated blocks.

Development Alternatives / TARA

Development Alternatives (DA) is a nonprofit, self-financing corporate organization, established in 1983. Its main objectives are to design and promote better approaches for the sustainable development of India.

The prime commercial partner of DA is its sister organization, TARA (Technology and Action for Rural Advancement). TARA manufactures and markets all products of DA and provides feedback on relevant production engineering and market information to the designers of DA to facilitate the continual adaptation and improvement of the technologies.

The operations of TARA are self-financing and conducted through a decentralized network of franchized enterprises. An enterprise can be an individual entrepreneur, a cooperative, a voluntary organization, an existing business, a government agency, or any other entity capable of manufacturing and marketing the products designed by DA.

Under a contractual arrangement between the franchiser (TARA) and the franchisee (the local enterprise), their respective duties are clearly defined. Broadly, TARA is responsible for technology development, technology transfer and training, standardization, networking, common procurement and bulk purchasing, quality control and marketing.

The franchisee is responsible for manufacturing, selling and providing after sales service to the local market. The franchisee pays a nominal royalty and fees to TARA, which in turn pays royalty and service fees to DA.

The technologies and services of DA include:

· Improved cookstoves (chulhas)
· Low cost housing technologies
· Mudblock presses*
· Improved handlooms
· Biomass energy systems
· Bicycle trailers
· Paper, board making equipment
· Pottery products
· Energy plantations
· Solar energy systems
· Water and sanitation
· Environment management