The Predator: A new concept in splitting

Back view of the Predator. Used in line with a through-feed fleshing or samming machine, it doesn’t require operators.

Front view of the Predator.
Arzignano, Vicenza, Italy – Alpe Spak’s new through-feed splitting machine system, the Predator, has been designed to reduce the number of specialised operators, improve worker safety, and improve the quality of the leather.
It operates with a patented concept to split in green, lime and now also wet blue.
It was developed from the need to solve both the problem of having specialised operators, and to improve the safety of operators exposed to the danger of cutting and crushing when loading the hides.
It has retained the system of an articulated roller which acts on the rubber roller and an upper transport roller, but the whole has been wrapped in special belt sleeves.
Moreover, the belts have eliminated the problem of marking of the hides caused by the transport rollers, and the lowering of thickness caused by the various trims that were blocking the articulated roller.
To complete the system, the machine can work, in line, with a through-feed fleshing machine, or samming machine in the case of wet blue, achieving a possible 24-hour, continuous production capacity of between 400 and 480 hides per hour, with two fleshing machine or samming machine operators, only 1 supervisor and no operators on the splitting machine itself, but with an in line trimming table where hides can be trimmed before splitting. The system can be tailor-made to the client’s needs.
The “optional” in-line system includes a long feeding conveyor as follows:
Long connecting special conveyor dimension 2800x4000 (standard measure)
Activated by pneumatic pistons and moving on rails.
Complete with an independent electrical panel placed on fixed bases.
This conveyor can eventually be tailor-made, in case of special hide dimensions or space availability.
The conveyor is an important part of the machine not only for the feeding operation but because its retractile movement allows for the easier opening and maintenance of the splitting machine.
Footwear Industry Articles
- Shlobo Designs: Foreign consumers appreciate handwork and the story behind the brandDurban, KZN, SA – I’m a native of Umlazi’s K section, but I’ve called Seaview home since 1994.My life has been a tapestry of experiences, woven with threads of resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination. My journey took an unexpected turn when I was retrenched while working for the bank with a wealth expe ...moreVermont sale completedJohannesburg, Gauteng, SA – After 39 years, former owner Mandy Owen has sold her shares in Vermont Leathercraft Manufacturers (Pty) Ltd to Creek Lab (Pty) Ltd, and officially handed over the business to Prashant Bhaga.In a message on LinkedIn, she wrote: “I would like to thank my husband, Graham, for his invaluable contributio ...moreAn industry with distinctive material riches, unable to sufficiently convert them into finished goods in a world class way“The project’s purpose,” said Courtney Grant, “is to be a robust, evidence-based strategy to address the leather and general goods sector’s challenges and unlock its growth potential.”The main headings of her presentation were:Creating the groundwork for a National Leather and General Goods Strategy:Fro ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Luxury or notWe hear from all sides that the leather industry is not doing too well and the conflict in the Middle East is definitely not improving the situation. The present wars have a huge impact on inflation and hence on the buying power of consumers with negative consequences for the luxury industry whose shares we have seen tumbling at the vario ...moreNigeria’s Leather Industry: Not a clear pictureNigeria is widely accepted as having a very large livestock population, but a relatively small tanning industry, much of it concentrated in Kano, producing high grade goat- and sheepskin crust which is exported for finishing elsewhere for use in garments.Recent articles cast some doubt on this, so are Nigeria’s hides and skins: M ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- Statistical shape modelling for population-specific respirator design: Addressing fit failure in South African populationsRespirators are widely regarded as the last line of defence against hazardous airborne exposures. Whether protecting healthcare workers from tuberculosis, laboratory personnel from infectious samples, or workers exposed to carcinogenic dusts and fumes, respirators are often relied upon when other controls cannot eliminate exposure. This r ...moreBiodegradable disposable gloves ‘a growing trend’ in PPEThe poster is available to download in English in both PNG and PDF formats hereCompostable and biodegradable PPE are said to be rapidly growing trends internationally, lead by brands like Showa and HaPPE Earth.The nova-Institut für politische und ökologische Innovation GmbH in Hürth, Germany, has published an updated versio ...moreObituary: Colin Battle, agent (17/04/1957-27/07/2026): Our sales trips were a whole life experienceDearest Lee, Greg & Sammy,I send my sincerest condolences & wishes of long and healthy lives to all of you, after the passing of your beloved Colin. I’ve no doubt that once the pain of losing an adored husband and father starts to subside, you will be left the glorious memories of your lives together with a most wonderful an ...more






