The following processes were explained to us: LIMING: The raw hide is soaked in an aqueous medium comprising of water

and sodium sulphide. The water helps the skin to get rid of salt, dirt, debris and excess animal fats. The process is also known as washing of the raw hide. FLESHING: in this process the flesh particles which still remain in the lower half of the hide are removed through this process. The spiral knives which are present in the fleshing machine help in the removal of the remaining flesh particles.

DRUMMING: In this process the hide is reacted with various chemicals. The chemicals used are salt, sulphuric acid, ammonium sulphate and chrome sulphate. The amount of chemicals are taken in accordance to the average weight of 50 leather pieces compiled in a stack. Oil, fat and wet liquor is added in this process in order to impart the desired color, thickness and strength to the leather. Formic acid is then used to fix the color.

The presence of blue color in the wet leather is because of the basic chrome sulphate which also is blue in color. After drumming the leather produced is known as crust.

SHAVING: It is done in shaving machine. The purpose of this is to decrease the thickness of leather. Here gauge of the machine is adjusted according to the thickness of the leather.
TRIMMING: in this process the extra sheds of leather are removed to prevent entangling of leather during the drumming process. SETTING: The aim of this process is to make the surface of the leather even.

Trimming and shaving being done

DRYING: The hide is kept at an optimum temperature under the sun. This process can also be performed in a drying chamber. STACKING: After the process of drying the leather becomes very stiff. Therefore in this process the fibers are loosened to make the leather soft and supple. Basically it is done on the edges where he leather is a bit stout.

Process of drying

TOGGLING: it is the process wherein the heat is used to create an expansion or extension in the leather. The stretch in the leather increases. The leather is treated upon big fans which help to produce the desired result

MILLING: In this process rubber balls are fed in a drum along with a leather where due to continuous striking a natural granular texture appears on the skin of the leather. This process is done only according to the requirement and specifications of the leather to be produced.

SPRAYING: It is done by 3 methods 1. This is done manually the solution of the color is prepared and applied manually with the help of a sponge 2. In this process spray guns are used. The solution is filled in spray guns and applied from a distance to attain an even coat of color. 3. The third method uses automatic spray machine. It is brought from Pondicherry. Spraying is done with the help of 8 automatics sprayers.

Spraying done manually

PLATING: it is done to give a finishing to the leather. It helps to impart gloss and texture to the leather surface. The plates are changed according to the different texture requirement

BUFFING: in this process sand paper is rubbed over leather to give the require texture. If buffing is performed on the wrong side split leather is produced

Glossing done over leather

MEASUREMENT: After the removal of defects present in the finished leather, the area of the leather is finished and the cost of leather is decided.

SQUARE FOOT MEASUREMENT: 2*Length* breadth 144 DECIMETRE MEASUREMENT:2*Length* breadth 9.2