SATRA’s intensive leather course
Held regularly throughout the year at our headquarters in Kettering, UK, this 2-day course is an opportunity for participants to learn more about this versatile material from our experts in the field.
![Inside view of a tannery shows wooden barrels for leather dressing. Large wooden drums held together by steel hoops.](/media/xhvkzeyp/istock-1325656114.jpg?rxy=0.11894146679658611,0.18090371114398957&width=100&quality=10&v=1da2836780bb870)
Overview
Leather is a sustainable and versatile material with several applications within shoemaking and other industries. This intensive two-day training course is aimed at manufacturers, sourcing companies and retailers of all types of footwear, leathergoods, gloves, garments, accessories and upholstery. It is ideal for newly appointed, as well as more experienced, technologists, designers and buyers.
A wide range of topics are covered during the course including:
Raw material defects
A review of different damage that can be caused on the farm, in transport and at the slaughter house.
Hide and skin structures
We will investigate how the skins of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs differ in structure and consider selection of appropriate raw material for the final end product.
Leather making processes
Identifying the key process stages and the importance of them in regards to the properties of the final leather.
Leather identification
We will look at the internationally recognised descriptions and definitions for different leather types (such as aniline, semi-aniline, pigmented, nubuck, suede etc) and leather-related materials.
Leather grading
Understanding the importance of reaching agreement on usability of leather between the tannery and the leather product manufacturer.
Introduction to testing and specifications
We will look at how these can be used to aid product development, routine quality assurance and help with problem solving.
Restricted substance testing and legislation
Globally there is legislation relating to restricted chemicals and many brands also produce their own restricted substance lists.
Investigating leather problems
Examples of typical customer complaints.