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The Industrial visit was a very eventful one. We went to an industry called ‘METALICA’ where we saw how plates about 0.5mm was converted into different shapes and sizes borough. Usually the thickness of the plate varies. They are around 0.5, 0.7, 2, 1 and 1.7mm, there diameter ranges from 12, 13,14,16,11 and 4 inches respectively. The proper making or conversion of plates into troughs and bowls consists of six steps.
The first step is called ‘Circular sheet’. Here the sheets which were imported from Jodhpur, the edges of the sheets are coated with a layer of soap. This is done to see that the edges do not stick when they are put into the pressing machine, where they are given shape. Those that give shape and play as stencils to the metal plate are about 150-200 in shapes and sizes. Once, these are attached the plate is placed on it, pressed and got into shape. These dies can also be called as moulds.
The second step is called ‘Deep Drawing’ where the sharp edges of the bowls are smoothened.
The third stage is the ‘Circular Cutting’ where the edges are cut and brought into proper shape.
The fourth stage is the ‘Bending’ stage where the rough edges are bent and smoothened.
The fifth stage is called the ‘Buffering’ stage where the utensils are shined and given colour. For this they use three types of polishes they use baal brush made of coconut fiber. The second is paper brush made of paper and the third is tiching buff which is made of cloth.
The last stage is the ‘Packing’ stage where all the finished goods are packed and sent off to various outlets all over Andhra Pradesh. On the whole 3000 plates are finished and ready for packing, completely converted into something else completely in a day. Since it is a low heat or no heat job and the pay is good, the workers are very happy with their job.
Next we went to the jewelry designing place where we saw how bangles are made out of metal and how jewelry such as chains and bracelets are made and sent to Siddhi Jewelers. It is very intricate work and their art is truly a beauty. The workers are so skilled and sure with their tasks. This really surprised most of us. We saw how hard they work, yet how happy they are. We not only had to learn about the stainless steel industry but also got a lot from those who run it. It had a lot of character building stuff for us to learn. . |