India post is a 153 year old organisation; it is the largest postal network in the world. A'cancellation' is nothing but a postal marking applied to a postage stamp or postal stationary indicating that the item has been used.

Stamp Cancellation: 
• Postal marking applied to a postage stamp. 
• Indicating that the item has been used. 
• To avoid the re use of stamps. 
• Also shows some details such as date & location. 
• Stamps are to be pasted on top right corner.

Cancellation in India post is generally done using hand stamp. Though automatic stamp cancellation machines are available, due to their high cost and requirement of electricity, these machines are available only at the head post offices, GPO's.

The Final design is a pedal operated mechanism, and printing is carried out using rollers. Flywheel provides uniform torque and motion is transferred from pedal through flywheel to the print roller. Speed of operation can be controlled by pedal. Electric Motor can be further connected to this mechanism for automation.CPMG (Chief Post Master General) insisted on having a new method or mechanism for stamp cancellation which should not be dependent on electricity and should improve the existing design.

Hence, the project – 'Redesign of stamp cancelling device for India post' was undertaken with the aim at: 
'Designing a new method or mechanism for stamp cancellation which should not be dependent on electricity and should improve print quality and speed of operation.'

Objective:
The main objective of the project was to improve the existing method by new design for better printing quality, efficiency in work and less human efforts. And, provide a new design/ mechanism which will have good cancellation speed as compared with the existing method.

Case Study Downloads:
• Re-Designing of a Stamp Cancelling Device for India Post - pdf