PROCESSING FINISHED LEATHER

There are several steps taken to make a complete product of Finished Leather.

• At first the leather sheets are purchased from the tannery and cut according to the size of the buyer order.

• The artisans’ then make a cutting-PATTERN on which a tin sheet is pasted and then the leather is cut according to the pattern.

• After that the artisans’ handover the small leather sheets to the cutting men of the CUTTING DEPARTMENT.

• The cutter cuts it according to the PATTERN.

• Then the small leather sheets are sent to the SKIVING/SPLITTING DEPARTMENT. Selection of leather sheets has been done in this department.

• The skiving department also makes the leather sheets thin so that they can stitch it properly.

• After completing above processes the leather sheets are given to the FITTINGS MEN who stitches and makes the product complete following the Final Proforma & Counter Sample.

• When the SAMPLE DEPARTMENT approves the Final Proforma then the production takes place.

PROCESSING SHANTI LEATHER

The raw material – Shanti Leather, is examined thoroughly for the thickness, smoothness of the surface and most importantly, the tick marks. All the items cannot be made out of leather having the same thickness. It varies for different products. It is only after the scrutiny, the “Cutters” cut the leather into different parts as per the product and design specified. The “Blockers” do the next job of blocking on the leather pieces. After the leather pieces are dried the “Touchers” do the touching or colouring on the embossed patterns. All the patterns are not hand painted. Some patterns are spray-painted and some have silkscreen printing on them. “Glazing” smoothens the uneven surface of the leather. It is a process where the leather pieces are pressed by a glass ball fitted on to a machine. This is done to bring out the glaze of the leather and even out and smoothen the leather surface. “Skiving” scrapes off those portions of the leather pieces, which is to be stitched.

“Fabrication” involves the process of stitching and pasting the lining with the leather. It is here the pieces are assembled to give a final shape of the product. Final touch-up takes place before lacquering the item. This prevents discolouration of the leather caused by the exposure to the sunrays. Matt lacquering is done for products, which do not need a glossy finish. Glossy lacquering is done for a very glossy finish.

MACHINERY USED TO DEVELOP THE PRODUCT:

1) Spray Machine ( to colour the sheets according to the sample)

2) Block Machine ( to design the upper part of the product)

3) Glaze Machine ( to make the product bright & glossy)

4) Skiving/Splitting Machine (to make the outer portion or the whole leather soft and thin which will help in stitching or pasting)

5) Stitching Machine (to stitch separate sheets)

6) Emboss Machine (to emboss where required)

7) Sharp Machine (to sharpen the tools)