Texture Analysis in Action: Leather Testing

One specialist area where texture analysis has had a considerable impact is LEATHER TESTING.

Stable Micro Systems offers a range of test rigs specifically designed to enable accurate and repeatable tests on all types of leather samples. 

Our application designers have worked closely with end user companies and institutions to ensure that the equipment achieves the best possible results.

THE LASTOMETER RIG (A/LR)
Also known as the ‘Ball Burst Test’, this identifies the strength and distension of the grain. This test exceeds the requirements of the Standard as grain crack is measured without stopping the test. ‘Material Yield’ at grain crack is also accurately identified.

Additional results for this test include the strength and distension of the grain at grain crack and ball burst, and the distance between grain crack and ball burst. The Lastometer rig comprises of the specimen holder and penetrometer (see image above).

THE BAGGINESS TEST RIG (A/BTR)
The Bagginess Test Rig meets the CEN Standard for determining the bagginess of leather together with its creep and stress relaxation properties after repeated loading. Bagginess is the permanent deformation or retained set in the material measured after the removal of a defined force applied for a specific time.

Left to right: Bagginess Rig; Slot Tear Rig; Stitch Line Rig

THE SLOT TEAR RIG (A/STR)
The slot tear test or Baumann Tear Test to IUP 8 measures the force to tear a slotted sample apart at a constant speed of 100 +/- 20mm/min.

The Standard only requires the maximum force to be measured. However, the average tear force, force maxima and minima by identifying and averaging of the 10 maximum and 10 minimum peak forces and work done can also be measured automatically.

THE STITCH LINE RIG (A/SLJ1)
Used for measurement of the strength of upper or lining material at the stitch line of footwear originating from either a single or multiple holes in the sample.

This rig meets the requirement of BS 5131. It enables a row of 17 needles to be pushed through the full thickness of the material and the maximum tensile force to pull needles through the material in a perpendicular direction to the row is measured. The maximum force is divided by the width of the sample to give the strength perpendicular to the needle perforations.

Determination of grain crack/burst strength of shoe 
leather; grain crack identified using ‘event marker’

Here are two papers which have been published referencing the use of Texture Analysis for Leather Testing:

LANDMANN, A. W., STOSIC, R. G. & DEADMAN, T. J. (1994).  A test for bagginess and computer lastometer test.  Journal of the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists, 78, 105-108.

LONG, A. J., JARDINE, P. & DEADMAN, T. (2000).  The use of acoustic emission to detect grain crack during the lastometer test.  Journal of the Society of Leather Technologies and Chemists, 85, 80-83.

Visit the Leather Testing page on our website...

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We can design and manufacture probes or fixtures for the TA.XTplus texture analyser that are bespoke to your sample and its specific measurement.

Once your measurement is performed, our expertise in its graphical interpretation is unparalleled. Not only can we develop the most suitable and accurate method for the testing of your sample, but we can also prepare analysis procedures that obtain the desired parameters from your curve and drop them into a spreadsheet or report designed around your requirements.

For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

No-one understands texture analysis like we do!

To discuss your specific test requirements click here...