The substrate thickness or substance of leather is one of the key parameters, which in turn has a profound effect on other properties and an International Standard exists for the measurement of leather thickness, ISO 2589:2002. This method is based on IUP 4 of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) and is intended for the measurement of all leather types. MSA Engineering, in conjunction with BLC, has now developed a new generation SG300 substance gauge, which is said to simplify this process whilst still producing reliable results.

The unit is light (weighing 1.3kg compared with 1.8kg of the previous design) and comprises a specified anvil arrangement and spring force so that it more closely conforms to ISO 2589:2002. The SG300 can be calibrated through a screw- adjustable, constant force, spring mechanism. This allows it to be adjusted, if required, using an electronic load cell to factory parameters conforming to ISO 2589:2002.

It is designed to be held in one hand (either left or right) leaving the other hand free to insert the material to be checked into the gauge.  Additionally, the base of the frame has been designed to allow the gauge to be used on a bench (with an optional clamp) or to stand upright when not in use.  Due to the shape of the new SG300, the dial is in the line of sight of the operator. Consequently, it gives the optimum reading position and can be read without tilting the instrument and without danger of error due to parallax.

Comparison trials have been carried out on a large number of leather samples to provide conclusive evidence that the new SG300 gives comparable results to the ISO method. It can be used as a simple, fast and reliable alternative to the ISO dead weight laboratory method.