Rubber Tapping Machine ,a project done by final year mechanical students of 2007-2011 batch.

Rubber tapping is the process of extraction of latex from the rubber trees. Latex is a white or slightly yellowish liquid composed of rubber, protein, sugar, water etc. This latex is concentrated, compounded and then used in different forms for the manufacture of various goods like the commonly seen rubber bands, gloves, condoms, foam beds, tyres etc.

For the manufacturing of these above given products we have all necessary mechanisms, from the manually operated machines to the highly sophisticate automated machines which can produce large tones in few seconds. But the primary level procedure, i.e. the tapping operation is still carried out manually and requires skilled labor. It is done with the help of specially made knifes. Malaysian knifes and Indian knifes are mainly used. In the coming future the world is going to face a great shortage in availability in labors.

Taking these problems into consideration engineers all around the world are trying to develop alternative ways for the tapping process. But till date no good design has been brought up except from a Malaysian company. Due to many defects and drawback of this machine, tapping sector is still on the same traditional path.

We have studied about the various situations of tapping and other required data and have come with a design for rubber tapping machine. This has helped us in developing a prototype of a mechanized system. Experiments carried out with this machine have revealed that it will be the best possible alternative to traditional tapping. This can help even the unskilled ones to carry out operation. We also expect it could make a great revolutionary change in the field of tapping.