Tanning Process in Brief
Curing:
Once the hide has been removed from the animal it is vulnerable to putrefactive bacteria, so by curing the hide with a generous application of salt on inner both sides, thus the skin can be preserved in the short term.
Liming:
The hair and epidermis are removed by drumming the hides in calcium hydroxide (LIME) and sodium sulfide.
Splitting:
Leather is split into top grain and suede splits or just split to the requirements of the customer; the hides can then be shaved to the exact Guage(Thickness) weight required.
Tanning:
Either vegetable, mineral or a combination tanning is used to preserve the hide to a crust stage. Re-tanning can be used to add dyes, fat liquors, re-tan agents, anti-mould and anti-flame chemicals if so required.
Drying:
Hides are dried by first of all wringing excess water out in a large mangle or setting Seaming machine, and then by stretching the hides on a frame which is then passed through a large heating chamber to dry.
Finishing:
Finishes such as pigment and lacquering are added using rollers and spray units, this allows the tanner Technician to achieve the desired finish and seal this against wear & tear.
Embossing:
An embossed grain pattern is sometimes "printed" onto the leather's surface. This creates a more uniform break (the natural pattern which occurs along the folds of the hide) and will help to disguise scars and marks. And now thanks to the Technology one’s Fantasy Can be embossed on to Leather.
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