Profession leather laboratory technician

Leather laboratory technicians perform and report chemical analyses and physical tests of leather. They also perform and report chemical analyses of auxiliaries, environmental emissions and discharges. They ensure that the tests are carried out according to appropriate national, international or customer standards.

Would you like to know what kind of career and professions suit you best? Take our free Holland code career test and find out.

Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Functionalities of machinery

    The machinery and equipment used and, in particular, the characteristics regarding functioning and calibration to ensure compliance with quality and product specifications, as well as the operator's safety.

  • Quality control systems

    Understanding of and experience with product development quality systems or tools such as FMEA, DOE, PPAP and APQP.

  • Leather chemistry

    Chemical composition and chemical properties of hide/skin and chemicals used and their modification during the different tanning processes. Reactions between hide/skin or semi-finished leather and chemical products during the different phases of process and the factors affecting the performance of the reactions and of the process. Monitoring of the chemical indicators of processing and the characteristics of skins/hides/leather.

  • Physico-chemical properties of crust leather

    The properties, physical and chemical, of intermediate leather products that have already undergone tanning operations. These properties vary depending on the animal of origin and previous manufacturing processes.

  • Characteristics of chemicals used for tanning

    Composition and physico-chemical properties of auxiliary chemicals used in the different tanning processes (tanning agents, fat liquors, pigments, dyes, etc.)

  • Leather finishing technologies

    Equipment, technologies and techniques for coating and laminating finishing of leather according to product specification. Topics include surface preparation, equipment types, preparation of substrata, operation monitoring and applications related to different types of finishing, coatings and final articles.

  • Leather technology

    Subject that includes traditional and advanced technologies of tanning processes, including machinery, service plants and other supporting equipment like moving or dosing systems.

  • Physico-chemical properties of hides and skins

    The quality of hides and skins is defined by organoleptic, microbiological, histological and chemical characteristics (i.e. moisture, structure of the dermis, percentage of fat and collagen). Each type of hide/skin has specific physical and chemical properties that affect the type of tanning operations and the most suitable end use of the leather.

  • Test leather chemistry

    Set of tests that describe chemical features of leather. They include pH and content of specific substances.

  • Leather physical testing

    Set of tests that describe physical features of leather. They include the analysis of the performance characteristics of leather, such as resistance to bending, to friction, to tearing, etc.

Skills

  • Think analytically

    Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Use IT tools

    Application of computers, computer networks and other information technologies and equipment to storing, retrieving, transmitting and manipulating data, in the context of a business or enterprise.

  • Manage quality of leather throughout the production process

    Manage systems for the customer-focused organisation of leather production processes. It uses strategy, data, and effective communications to integrate the quality approach into the culture and activities of the company and also to achieve the organisation’s mission and goals.

  • Work in textile manufacturing teams

    Work harmoniously with colleagues in teams in the textile and clothing manufacturing industries.

  • Identify with the company's goals

    Act for the benefit of the company and for the achievement of its targets.

  • Create solutions to problems

    Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.

  • Manage environmental impact of operations

    Manage the interaction with and impact on the environment by companies. Identify and assess environmental impacts of the production process and related services, and regulate a reduction of the effects on the environment and on people. Organise action plans and monitor any indicators of improvement.

  • Adapt to changing situations

    Change approach to situations based on unexpected and sudden changes in people's needs and mood or in trends; shift strategies, improvise and naturally adapt to those circumstances.

  • Execute working instructions

    Understand, interpret and properly apply work instructions regarding different tasks in the workplace.

  • Use communication techniques

    Apply techniques of communication which allow interlocutors to better understand each other and communicate accurately in the transmission of messages.

  • Identify defects on raw hides

    Analyse, identify and evaluate the possible defects present on raw hides/skins. Defects may be of natural origin (e.g. damage by parasites), caused by bad practices at the farm, in transport, at the abattoir (e.g. incorrect flaying, pre-slaughter defects, improper conservation) or generated during the manufacturing process. The classification of Hides/skins and their subdivision into "selections" is based on the nature, magnitude and location of defects. The class of selection determines the type of processing, and consequently the type of article.

  • Maintain equipment

    Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.

Optional knowledge and skills

pack leather develop manufacturing recipes prepare colour mixtures leather colour chemistry exert a goal-oriented leadership role towards colleagues health and safety in the workplace monitor operations in the leather industry test chemical auxiliaries apply colouring recipes correctly differentiate nuance of colours

Source: Sisyphus ODB