BLC Leather Training Course

Four Day Practical Leather Technology

DAY 1

Theory
An introduction to the raw materials used for making leather, the similarities and differences of various types
of hide, the key chemical and biological aspects of hides and the steps necessary to preserve the hide
between slaughter and the commencement of processing.

Practical
Hide assessment
Rawstock
Preservation
Soaking

12.30 Buffet Lunch

Theory
Description of the preparation of the hides for processing, the chemicals used to assist the soaking process,
the biological components of the hide removed at this stage and quality implications of inefficient soaking.
Participatory demonstration of soaking in BLC vessels.

Practical
Soak inspection
Unhairing
Liming

Theory
Description of how the hair is removed from the hide, pollutants generated at this process stage, traditional
and clean-technology methods, health and safety concerns and quality implications arising from poor
processing. Participatory demonstration of unhairing and liming in BLC vessels.

Practical
Liming/unhairing assessment

16.45 Review and close

DAY 2

Theory
Description of the processes that take the swollen limed hides through to a condition ready for tanning. A
comparison of the traditional nitrogen based chemicals used versus nitrogen free chemicals considers the
quality and health and safety aspects of each type. The use of enzymes in this stage of production in
particular, and leather processing in general is discussed. Participatory demonstration of Unhairing and
liming in BLC vessels.

Practical
Liming assessment
Deliming
Deliming assessment
Bating
Bating assessment

12.30 Buffet Lunch

Theory
The types of tanning agents that can be used and the types of leathers that result are compared.
Participatory demonstration of pickling in BLC vessels.

Practical
Pickling

Laboratory tour
A tour of BLC laboratory introduces the physical, analytical and microscopal techniques that can be used to
control quality and identify problems, either arising through processing or through natural aspects of the
hides and skins being processed.

Theory
Various techniques to improve the efficiency of tannage are discussed; the methods of recovering and
reusing waste tanning liquors to reduce environmental impact are explained. Participatory demonstration of
tanning in BLC vessels.
The concept of the iso-electric point and its impact upon the retanning, fatliquoring and dyeing of leather are
explained.

Practical
Pickle assessment
Wet Blue Neutralisation

16.45 Review and close

DAY 3

Theory
During the course of the day, delegates will process wet blue goat skins through to a retanned,
fatliquored and dyed condition. Due to time constraints it is necessary that the practical aspects precede
the presentations.

Practical
Neutralisation assessment
Retanning
Dyeing

Theory
The mechanical actions required to get hides to a condition ready for dyeing (splitting, shaving, grading)
are discussed.

Practical
Fatliquoring

Theory
The different materials that can be used for retanning are considered. The way in which these agents are
used and their impact on leather quality are explained

Practical
Fixation
Wash off

12.30 Buffet Lunch

Tannery tour
The machines used for the production of leather are examined in detail at the model tannery at the
Institute of Creative Leather Technologies.

Practical
Samming-setting
Vacuum drying

Theory
The session considers the means of applying dyestuffs to leather, the different types of dyes, how some
are resistant to fading and what can be done to improve fastness properties. Fatliquors the chemicals
that lubricate leather and give it softness are discussed. Discussion of the various methods of drying
leather and which techniques best suit which types of leathers concludes the session.

Practical
Toggle drying
Practical
Chrome tanning of pickled skins

16.45 Review and close

DAY 4

Theory
The different types of leather that can be made aniline, corrected grain, nubuck etc are discussed.

Practical
Beginning of basification

Theory
The chemicals responsible for the final colour of leather are discussed.

Practical
Colour Matching

Theory
The non-colouring components of a finish are explained including the chemicals that are responsible
for physical attributes such as rub fastness and finish adhesion as well as those responsible for the feel
of the finished leather.

Practical
Basification assessment

12.30 Buffet Lunch

Theory
The methods of applying leather finish (spray, pad, rollercoat etc) are explained.

Practical
Colour matching & finishing

Theory
Delegates undertake the application of finishing chemicals to take the goatskins dyed during the session
on day three through to a fully finished condition.

Practical
Tanning assessment

16.45 Review and close

PLEASE NOTE - DELEGATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO STAY UNTIL THE END OF DAY 4 TO
COVER ALL ASPECTS OF THE COURSE