New substance gauge developed
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.
