Electronic Gas Lighters
Uploaded on : February 2010
Product and Applications
An electronic gas lighter consists of a piezo electric ceramic element. When mechanical stress is applied on any two faces of this element, electric charges are generated on its two diagonally opposite faces across the axis. When this electric voltage (about 18 to 20 KV) is applied across a small spark (usually 2 mm) the ionization breakdown of the air gap takes place, causing an electric spark across the gap. The spark carries sufficient energy to ignite commercially gaseous fuel like Butane, L.P.G, methane etc
Such a gas lighter thus contains spring loaded mechanism to apply required pressure either impact type or squeeze type so as to generate the charges. The entire assembly provided with triggering device is mounted in a suitable insulating casing. There are two types available - single spark and multiple spark types. The single spark gas lighters are impact type giving one strong spark for each impact and the probability of ignition is proportional to the spark energy. The multiple spark type has a squeeze mechanism with a ratchet which results in multiple application of squeeze pressure on the piezoelectric element thus generating a number of small sparks in succession which increases the probability of ignition several folds. The product finds extensive application for domestic purpose in ignition of LPG used for cooking. It turns out to be a safe and economical and sure igniter in all weather conditions. It is also used in industry by gas welders who have to frequently ignite gas. It also finds application in boilers.
Industry Profile and Market Assessment
Since it is mostly a house hold use product, the demand potential is ever growing and more so rapidly with the popularity of LPG. The number of LPG consumers is rapidly increasing. At present there are reported to be more than 4million consumers in the country. Nearly 70% of these are in the urban areas. The popularity of LPG in semi urban and rural areas is gradually increasing, with the availability of gas cylinders the usage is expected to grow at a rate of 25% per annum there by creating a demand of at least 0.7 million pieces of lighters per annum. Taking the price of single spark type as Rs.30/- per pcs and that of multiple sparks as Rs.50/- the turnover is estimated to be Rs 42.0 lakhs.
There are a number of manufacturers in this field and many of them have captured a market share. The quality of the products available is not upto mark and consistency regarding performance and life though guaranteed is not achieved. Thus better quality products even at a slightly higher price will find a ready market and preferred by customers.
Production Capacity
A production capacity of 1.0 lakh pieces per annum of single and multiple spark will be ideal with a product mix 40% of capacity for impact type - single spark and 60% of capacity for squeeze type - multiple spark.
Manufacturing Process & Know How
The process of manufacture is simple assembly oriented and needs plastic moulding, fabrication of precision parts, matching of tolerances and inspection at every stage. It involves silvering of the end faces of the piezoelectric element for electrical contacts, formation of the spark electrode assembly with appropriate insulation level and shock wave absorbing material as well as the assembly of striker and squeeze mechanism. The external case which should be highly insulating type would be made from injection moulded plastic parts. Selection of suitable plastic material, and metallic parts should be properly made. The manufacturers of ceramic piezoelectric elements can be of help in proven assembly know-how.
Plant and Machinery
The main plant and machinery involved include precision machines for piece part fabrication pressing, punching, and operations such as drilling, late operations, grinding, element testing equipment, insulation testers etc. This may need an investment of nearly Rs. 9.0 lakhs. Dies, jigs and fixtures need another Rs. 3.5 lakhs.
Raw material and Components
The total cost of raw material and components such as end silvered piezoelectric ceramic elements, striker assembly trigger assembly, blow moulded casing, insulated cable, spark gas materials for insulation etc. come to about Rs.15/- per piece for single element impact type and Rs. 20/- for the two element squeeze type mechanism.
Land and Building:
For smooth operation of the unit it will require a built up area of 100 sq. mts. The total cost is estimated to be Rs.3.0 lakhs.
Manpower
For smooth functioning of the unit the requirement of man power is expected to be around 15 persons. This includes production staff, administrative persons. The annual salary bill is estimated to be around Rs. 2.50 lakhs.:
Cost of Project
Rs. lakhs |
|
| Land & Building | 3.00 |
| Plant & Machinery | 12.50 |
| Margin money | 0.56 |
| Total | 16.06 |
Profitability
| Rs. lakhs | |
| Sales (80%) | 33.60 |
| Raw material | 18.00 |
| Salary | 2.50 |
| Sales expenses | 3.75 |
| Other expenses | 1.85 |
| Depreciation | 1.42 |
| Interest | 1.27 |
| Cost of production | 28.79 |
| Profit | 4.81 |
Requirement of Working Capital
W.C Margin money |
|||
| Raw material | 15 days | 0.75 | 0.19 |
| Work in process | 7 days | 0.43 | 0.04 |
| Stock of finished goods | 15 days | 1.18 | 0.12 |
| Working expenses | 1 month | 0.21 | 0.21 |
| Margin money for W.C | 0.56 |
Break Even point
- 88% at 80% capacity
- 64% at installed capacity
Rate of return on Investment
Profit x 100/Capital = 29.95%
Machinery Suppliers
Emco Press Master P Ltd.
Plot no. 19 Sector 25
Faridabad
Memco machinery Mart,
4094, Kuch Diwali Singh,
Ajmeri Gate,
Delhi
For further information please contact
Information Manager
TIMEIS Project
E-mail: timeis@ficci.com
