At the Tanning Tech Show held in Milan, S.F. OFFICINA MECCANICA 1930, manufacturer of machinery for leather processing, presented the new upgraded model
On the occasion of the Simac Tanning Tech show held in Milan last September, S.F. OFFICINA MECCANICA 1930 manufacturer of machinery for leather processing and machinery for the tanning industry based in Montopoli in Val d’Arno (Pisa province), relaunched an upgraded and modernized model of the TEX polishing machine.
This is an important strategic move for one of the most historic brands in Italy and worldwide, which boasts over 90 years of history, celebrating its century anniversary at the end of this decade. The company was founded in 1930 by Gino Soldani and later managed by his son Franco until 2004: now the grandchildren Enrico, Simone and Silvia are at the helm of this beautiful family company.
Over the decades, the evolution of technologies has led the company to develop and export cutting-edge, modern machinery for the processing of bovine, goat and sheep hides and precious exotic leathers all over the world: polishers, fleshing machines, shavers and buffing machines for reptiles and crocodiles are placed side by side with historical models revisited by the company in a technological key. Among these stands out the TEX polishing machine, featuring 3 working widths (2000, 2500 and 3000), able to create parchment-effect leathers, soft to the touch and beautiful to see.
We talked about this machinery and its relaunch, during the show, with Silvia Soldani, managing partner of the Tuscan company. Inside the stand, where the interview was carried out, this machine was displayed and appreciated by visitors. “The advanced model of the TEX polishing machine – explained Mrs. Soldani – was designed in detail and built to make it easy to use according to the craftsmanship and quality of the past, combining previous models with modern technology. It has been developed to be used both for those who make a niche item as well as for those who want to give softness to the leather or recover unused stocks through a particular process.”
Could the TEX polishing machine be a springboard when we finally get out of the pandemic?
“We believe so, as it is now destined for a vast market and no longer only for the niche article. Thanks to a special process conceived by Remo Petroselli, general manager of Chimont Spa, it is possible, taking advantage of our machine, to carry out a special finishing that also allows the recovery of lower quality leathers: on third and fourth choice leathers, a film – produced exclusively by Chimont Spa – is applied, which melts and penetrates inside the leather itself. The leather is then polished with our machine; finally, the film is removed and the leather is free of defects and particularly soft to the touch. In this way, huge stocks of leathers that otherwise would not have an outlet on the market can be recovered. This system can therefore become extremely interesting also for many other Italian and foreign markets, so yes, we really believe that this machine will soon be very much appreciated in several countries.”
How long has this machine been in production?
“For about four-five years, even if being a niche product we have quite limited numbers in Italy, sold to the district of Santa Croce sull’Arno, where we have always worked and where we are well known and appreciated. Right in this district, in addition to tanneries, there are also printers who use our Tex polishing machine on printed leathers to restore their softness.”
Can you tell us some details about this machine?
“The structure of the machine is made of steel, designed to ensure quick disassembly and reassembly of the polishing cylinders, which are built respecting ancient traditions and using modern technology. Built up of a steel core and covered with cork, they have independent motorization and the speeds are variable and electronically controlled via the special touch-screen display. There is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) able to memorize different settings and recall them at the operator’s command. Also available as an option, a belt conveyor that carries the processed leather close to the operator under the pallet.”
That’s an essential feature for polishing cylinders…
“That’s right, it is a very advanced technology. And the assembly of the cork on the cylinder is completely carried out by hand, as it used to be done.”
Silvia Soldani, S.F. Officina Meccanica 1930
