UK-based technology centre SATRA is to hold seminars highlighting key footwear topics for its members at three locations in China in July: Dongguan on July 2, Quanzhou on July 4 and Shanghai on July 6.

During the seminars Mike George will identify the materials used in modern solings and how they perform in wear. He will also examine tread design and other factors that affect resistance to slipping—a significant cause of accidents.

He will also explain best practice to be adopted when using solvent-based PU adhesives and what precautions need to be taken when handling two-part cements. More importantly, he will explain how processes need to be changed when adopting water-based products.

Steve Rose will describe the measures that should be taken to ensure effective process control in the factory. These include guidance on questions such as correct temperature and speed settings on adhesive drying tunnels and appropriate pressure and time settings on sole presses.

His second presentation will look at other quality issues including how suppliers can successfully help to create a quality product by establishing in-house laboratories.

Darren Brooks will look at how leather ‘quality’ is assessed on delivery and how this affects the quantity required for production. He will also explain how much leather and money can be saved by training staff correctly and will highlight the benefits that the SATRASumm computer-based package can offer with regards to these aspects.