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DAY
1 – Understanding the Raw Material and Suitability for
End Products
Join
us for coffee before the course starts
Welcome
to Leather Wise and introductions
A chance to learn a little about each
other…
Where
does it all begin - sourcing from farm to tanner?
The skins and hides we use are sourced
from many places globally. We will look at some of the facts
and figures relating to the international industry and some
of the issues facing the supply chain.
Time
for a well earned cuppa!
Why
do we inherit problems?
Depending on source, and welfare conditions,
hides and skins can be subject to natural and manmade damage.
We will look at some typical problems and the impact these
have on leather quality.
Buffet
lunch (and time to phone work!)
Why
do we make leather from cowhide (… and other animals)?
There are many reasons for choosing
certain hides and skins for making different types of leather.
In this session we will look at the components of skin and
explain how different animals have different skin structures.
We
will then be able to understand the various attributes and
limitations of using a particular skin or hide in relation
to the end product. For example, the reasons why pigskin is
commonly used for making shoe linings or garment suede but
is not generally used in upholstery.
Time
for another cuppa!
Getting
to grips with the jargon (a touchy feely session!)
One really confusing aspect of using leather is the variety
of names and descriptions that are commonplace in the industry.
We will look at some of the more popular terms and explain
what characteristics the leather will have. Some of the terms
we will look at are: Aniline, Semi-aniline, Pigmented, Finished
Split, Bi-cast, Suede, Nubuck, Pull-up, Full Grain, Corrected
Grain….and more.
End
of DAY 1
DAY
2 – Leathermaking and Ensuring ‘Fitness for Purpose’
Brief
Recap of Day 1
Introduction
to the leathermaking process
The leathermaking process is broken
down into a number of key stages. Prior to our visit to the
tannery we will introduce these stages and explain the importance
of them.
Visit
to the Tannery at the British School of Leather Technology
We will visit a small-scale tannery
and follow the leather making process stages. You will get
the opportunity to experience some of the unique sights and
smells!
Tour
of the testing laboratories to see how we ensure ‘fitness
for purpose’ of leather
After the tannery we will look at the physical testing of
leather and microscopy techniques used for quality assurance
and solving problems that occur.
Buffet
lunch (and time to phone work!)
Recap
on key leather production stages and all the associated industry
jargon
Once we have seen the various stages
of leather production and looked at the laboratories you will
realise how complex leather making is. We will briefly review
the main production stages and any jargon that we have encountered!
Testing
and specifying leather for a product
Following on from our testing laboratory
tour we will discuss why we have Specifications. The reasons
include needing to ensure that chemical ‘nasties’
are not present in our consumer goods and that the goods perform
satisfactorily in use. We will look at the typical aspects
of a Specification.
Time
for another cuppa!
What
do we officially mean by the term ‘Leather’?
We all take leather for granted and
use it everyday, but do we really know what it is and what
characteristics it has? For anyone using and supplying leather
and leather products it is important to understand what you
can (and can’t) do legally. Within this session we will
also look at the issue of labelling.
How can we look after leather and what
issues are there for those involved in Quality Assurance and
Customer Services?
Now we know what leather is it leads
us to consider what happens when it all goes wrong? We will
use examples to illustrate typical problems that you might
encounter – and how we can help you to resolve the problems.
Time
to go home after a busy course!
Things
you need to know:
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This
course is suitable for all product sectors – footwear,
upholstery, garments, leathergoods etc
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Arrival and coffee at 09.15
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Course starts 09.30
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Buffet lunch included
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Course
finishes 16.30 (unless we talk a lot!)
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Please wear ‘sensible’ footwear as the tannery
floor can be wet/ slippery
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Let us know if you have any special needs – dietary/access
etc.
Booking Form
If
you require any further information about Leather Wise's Services
contact
Amanda Michel or Chris Powley-Williams tel: 01604 497568/9,
email:
info@leatherwise.co.uk
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