Overview

Leather and tanning are related to the process of transforming animal hides or skins into durable and flexible material known as leather. Tanning is the key step in this process, which involves treating the raw hides or skins to prevent decomposition and impart desirable properties to the material. The process of tanning has been practiced for thousands of years and has evolved. Traditionally, tanning involved the use of natural materials, such as plant extracts or animal fats, to preserve and soften the hides. Today, tanning processes utilize both traditional and modern techniques.

GAO Tek’s moisture analyzers and meters have the following applications in the leather and tanning industry:

  • Leather production: GAO’s moisture analyzers are used during the tanning process to measure the moisture content of raw hides or skins before and after tanning. This helps in determining the effectiveness of the tanning process and ensures that the moisture levels are suitable for subsequent processing steps.
  • Quality control:  Our moisture meters are employed to assess the moisture content of finished leather products. By verifying the moisture levels, manufacturers can ensure that the leather meets the desired quality standards and specifications. This is particularly important to prevent issues like mold growth, brittleness, or excessive drying of the leather.
  • Storage and shipment: Leather products need to be stored and transported under appropriate moisture conditions to maintain their integrity. Our moisture analyzers and meters assist in monitoring and controlling the moisture levels in storage facilities and during transportation. This helps to prevent moisture-related damage, such as mildew, shrinking, or warping of the leather.
  • Research and development: GAO’s moisture analysis is a valuable tool for leather researchers and developers. They use moisture analyzers to study the effects of different tanning techniques, additives, and environmental conditions on the moisture content and properties of leather. This research aids in improving tanning processes, enhancing leather quality, and developing innovative leather products.

Complying with Government Regulations

GAO Tek’s moisture analyzers and meters comply or help our customers comply with the U.S. government regulations such as:

  • Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act): The FD&C Act requires that all leather and tanning products that are intended for human use be safe and effective. This includes ensuring that the moisture content of the leather is within acceptable limits.
  • Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Regulations: The GMP regulations set forth requirements for the manufacturing of all medical devices, including leather and tanning products. These regulations include requirements for the use of moisture analyzers and meters to ensure that the moisture content of the leather is within acceptable limits.
  • Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, Part 177: This regulation specifies the conditions under which certain substances, including moisture analyzers and meters, may be used in the manufacture of food contact articles.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety standards in the United States. These regulations may include requirements for the safe use of equipment, including moisture analyzers and meters, to protect workers from hazards.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA regulates environmental aspects related to the leather and tanning industry. This includes regulations regarding the disposal of waste materials, proper handling of chemicals, and compliance with environmental standards to prevent pollution and protect air and water quality.

GAO Tek’s moisture analyzers and meters comply or help our clients comply with Canadian regulations such as:

  • Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA): CEPA is an important legislation that aims to protect human health and the environment from potential risks associated with substances and activities. It may have regulations concerning the use, handling, and disposal of chemicals and substances used in the tanning process.
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS): WHMIS is a comprehensive hazard communication system in Canada that provides information on the safe handling, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in the workplace. Compliance with WHMIS regulations is important for ensuring the safe use of chemicals and substances in the leather and tanning industry.
  • Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB): CGSB develops and maintains voluntary standards in Canada. They may have relevant standards related to the use of moisture analyzers and meters in the leather and tanning industry. Adhering to these standards can help ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality in the use of these instruments.
  • Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS): The CCOHS provides guidance and resources related to occupational health and safety in Canada. They may offer information on the safe use of equipment, including moisture analyzers and meters, to protect workers in the leather and tanning industry.

Case Studies of Moisture Analyzers and Meters in the Leather and Tanning Industry

Here are some practical examples of using moisture analyzers and meters in the leather and tanning industry:

  • Tannery Optimization in Canada: A tannery in Canada was experiencing inconsistent leather quality and high rejection rates. They implemented moisture analyzers throughout their tanning process to monitor and control the moisture content of the leather at different stages. By analyzing the moisture levels, they were able to identify areas where moisture deviations occurred and make necessary process adjustments. As a result, the tannery achieved improved uniformity in leather quality, reduced rejection rates, and enhanced overall process efficiency.
  • Moisture Control in Leather Storage Facilities: A leather storage facility in the USA was facing challenges in maintaining the quality of stored leather due to fluctuating humidity levels. They installed moisture analyzers in their storage rooms and warehouses to monitor the moisture content of the leather periodically. This allowed them to take corrective actions, such as adjusting ventilation or implementing moisture barrier systems, to maintain optimal moisture levels. Consequently, the facility experienced a significant reduction in leather damage, mold growth, and quality deterioration during storage.
  • Moisture Analysis for Raw Hide Sorting: A large-scale hide supplier in the USA wanted to streamline their rawhide sorting process based on moisture content. They employed moisture meters to measure the moisture levels of incoming hides. By categorizing the hides into different moisture groups, they were able to allocate appropriate tanning processes and resources accordingly. This optimization resulted in improved tanning efficiency, reduced chemical usage, and enhanced leather consistency.
  • Quality Control of Finished Leather Products: A leather goods manufacturer in Canada aimed to ensure consistent moisture levels in their finished products to maintain quality standards. They implemented moisture analyzers to measure the moisture content of the leather before finalizing the production process. This allowed them to identify any deviations and take necessary measures, such as adjusting drying techniques or conditioning methods, to achieve the desired moisture levels. Consequently, the manufacturer achieved improved product quality, minimized customer complaints, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

The main page of moisture analyzers and meters GAOs of moisture analyzers and meters and their applications in various industries:

Environmental Moisture Analyzers and Meters

Use of Moisture Analyzers and Meters with leading Software and Cloud Services in the Leather and Tanning Industry

GAO Tek has used or has facilitated its customers to use GAO’s moisture analyzers and meters with some of the leading software and cloud services in their applications. Examples of such leading software and cloud services include:

  • Data logging software: Many moisture analyzers and meters come with proprietary software that allows users to log and record moisture measurements over time. This software often enables data analysis, graphing, and reporting features.
  • Statistical analysis software: Statistical analysis software such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS, or Minitab can be used to process and analyze moisture data collected from analyzers and meters. These tools enable statistical calculations, data visualization, and trend analysis.
  • Data Visualization Software: Data visualization tools are useful for creating charts, graphs, and visual representations of moisture data. These tools help in understanding patterns, trends, and relationships within the data. Popular software in this category includes Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, and MATLAB.
  • Spreadsheet Software: Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or LibreOffice Calc can be used for basic data analysis and visualization. They offer features for organizing data, performing calculations, and creating charts and graphs to analyze moisture measurements.
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS): Amazon securely stores and retrieve large volumes of data generated by moisture analyzers and meters. Run data analysis and processing tasks using scalable virtual servers.
  • Microsoft Azure: Azure blob storage store and manage moisture-related data in a highly scalable and secure manner. Deploy virtual machines for data processing and analysis tasks.
  • Google Cloud IoT Core: Collect, process, and analyze moisture data from connected analyzers and meters, facilitating real-time monitoring and decision-making for moisture management in leather and tanning processes.
  • IBM Watson IoT Platform: Integrate moisture analyzers and meters with the IoT platform to collect and analyze moisture data, leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning for moisture control and optimization in leather and tanning operations.

GAO Tek Has Many Customers in the Leather and tanning Industry

GAO Tek’s moisture analyzers and meters have been used by many customers in leather and tanning, including some leading companies.

Here are some of the leading companies in the leather and tanning industry:

JBS USA Holdings

Cargill Incorporated

Tyson Foods

Koch Industries

Decker’s Brands

Wolverine World Wide

Rocky Brands

H.H. Brown Shoe Group

Red Wing Shoe Company

Ariat International

Justin Brands

W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery

Saddleback Leather

Horween Leather Company

American Tanning & Leather

Tasman Leather

Tandy Leather Factory

Horace Small

Canada Goose

Roots Canada

Danier Leather

Buffalo Leather Products

Manitoba Mukluks

Arc’teryx Equipment

GAO Tek’s moisture analyzers and meters and their applications in other industries are listed on this page:

Environmental Moisture Analyzers and Meters