Turner hide grading system using Vision technology

Using Vision technology allows the Selectra from Turner to automatically grade hides and skins. The Selectra 1.5m version for crust skins and the 3m Selectra WB for wet-blue hides are currently available from Turner who are committed to taking the technology further. Vision technology is able to grade hides and skins objectively and consistently. Since many faults are not visible to the naked eye, it is necessary to formulate a realistic range according to the quality requirements of the customer. Faults are identified by type and severity on a scale of 1-4 for each zone, as well as for the overall hide or skin. The Selectra automatically grades hides and skins by assigning a level of quality to each skin according to user-defined criteria. These criteria are used to determine the acceptable surface percentage for each category of defect. Based on these criteria and the defects detected in the leather, the system assigns a level of quality. Vision technology can be used on wet-blue, crust or finished leather. Software designed by CTC and Turner puts the faults into 16 different family types such as pinhole, scratches, knife cuts etc. Some of the lesser faults can be deleted using the software so that only the more obvious or severe damage can be identified and downgrade the leather. As the leather passes through Selectra, it proceeds through a series of rollers and cylindrical brushes to flatten and clean the surface. The material must be flat and dust free in order for the camera to detect faults accurately. A vacuum cylinder is used to flatten the skin and allow it to be photographed on the belt. Hides and skins must also be presented under specific lighting conditions and under low tension. Approximately 120 calf hides can be passed through the machine per hour and Selectra only requires one operator assuming that the leather is automatically put onto a horse, pallet or conveyor after it has passed under the camera. Approximately 10 seconds is required to scan and capture the data electronically for a sheep or goatskin, 30 seconds for a calf skin and 45 seconds for a full cow hide. The really clever part of Selectra is the software system. Technicians from Turner and CTC have recorded hundreds of different types of natural and manmade leather defects to cover every possibility. TURNER 32 avenue Daniel Mercier, F-07100, Annonay, France Tel: +33 4 75 67 05 00 Email: turner-sas@wanadoo.fr Web: [http://www.turner.fr]