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ZHSATRA research
Providing the competitive edge to members – introducing the main contacts for SATRA’s research projects.
SATRA was formed in 1919 with the original purpose of helping manufacturers and suppliers to evolve by providing technical knowledge, research and testing – the three pillars of strength. The SATRA brand is now recognised and respected in over 70 countries for our expertise in consultancy, research and testing a wide range of products. The advanced facilities at our head office, including a chemical analysis laboratory and the capacity to design and manufacture test equipment, is the nerve centre of an international company. SATRA also has a technical test house in China.
The key to our success and sustained growth is our commitment to the three pillars mentioned above, which assists in the advancement and development of industries that are continuously evolving. This commitment requires SATRA staff to keep abreast of new technologies and improve established knowledge, thus maintaining SATRA’s status as a leading research and technology organisation in the fields of footwear technical development and consultancy, production efficiency and planning, troubleshooting and test method development.
Our project leaders are a dynamic and versatile group of personnel with over nine decades of combined industry experience. Their skills and backgrounds encompass a considerable range of disciplines, which enable SATRA to solve problems from a number of different angles.
Ongoing development
Key contacts for SATRA research projects – from left: Anwar Gaungoo, Zach Armitage, Jez Hazard, David Smith, Rosie Molcher, Charlotte Fowle and Tom Bayes. Front: Alan Weston
SATRA research has two main objectives: the development and advancement of industry knowledge through authorised projects funded by SATRA, and consultancy and troubleshooting available to SATRA members as contract work.
SATRA invests heavily in the development of new tests and services. This relies on research to provide solutions, covering all fields from non-standard testing to large product development projects across a range of industry sectors. Numerous tests are established in principle and developed through the prototype stages to become SATRA test methods. Each is accompanied by a SATRA test machine, many of which have been adopted into international standards.
"SATRA research personnel are proud of their reputation"
Research scientists discussing foot form development
The organisation’s research facilities reflect its wide range of diverse testing and expertise, and allow members of staff to efficiently solve difficult or non-standard problems for both SATRA and SATRA members quickly and with confidence. High-speed camera and thermal imaging equipment allow for detailed and accurate measurement and analysis, while climate chambers capable of recreating environmental conditions from the arctic to the rain forest, give the capacity to test and analyse a vast range of products in a variety of conditioned surroundings. Pressure mapping facilities and the expertise behind them are a source of pride in SATRA, and can be tuned to suit a multitude of applications. With an advanced laboratory, SATRA research personnel enable rapid machine prototyping, while control and data logging can be quickly achieved by utilising the skills of our staff members who are proficient in programming.
Recent work has been as diverse as testing leaking beer bottles and coffee cups, investigating claims into the bulletproof nature of luggage and assessing heart catheters. However, emphasis remains on footwear and has resulted in such industry advances as the development of water resistance testing, cold rating and accelerated ageing. SATRA research personnel are proud of their reputation for providing quality customer service, and work closely with customers to understand and respond to their requirements. We provide detailed reports both on the performance of test items and the conditions in which they are tested, in addition to providing detailed analysis and recommendations based on results. Amendments to manufacturing processes or material have been made as a result of recommendations that significantly improve the end product durability and performance.
| Key research contacts |
| Head of Research: Tom Bayes BSc Highly skilled and with almost 30 years’ experience, Tom’s analytical reasoning and expertise have been the driving forces behind many innovative tests and machines. He has the demanding task of overseeing and supporting the sponsored research projects that SATRA undertakes each year, while continuing to provide high-quality contract research for our customers. |
| Alan Weston Alan is a very experienced traditional shoemaker, and his fitting and last-making expertise are a vital asset to SATRA. Alan’s combination of long-established shoemaking skills and innovative use of modern 3-D foot scanning techniques make him a diverse and pioneering expert in his field. |
| Rosie Molcher BSc (Hons) Rosie is a graduate with four years’ experience working at SATRA. She has been heavily involved in the development of a number of high-profile test methods and machines, and is the primary contact for many of our key customers. Her intimate knowledge of SATRA test methods and ability to assimilate and process test results make her a valued and respected asset to the organisation. |
| David Smith BSc (Hons) After graduating from a prestigious London University, David worked in the photographic industry for a decade before joining SATRA six years ago, and leads on high-speed video capture and analysis. He has contributed greatly to the development of many test methods and test machines, and his ability to use technology to solve customer issues has made him an indispensable expert in the use of pressure mapping. |
| Anwar Gaungoo MSci (Hons), AMInstP Holder of a master’s degree in Natural Sciences (Mathematics and Physics), Anwar’s skill in software development is being used to develop computer-simulated tests that could significantly advance the understanding and ability to assess a multitude of products. |
| Charlotte Fowle BSc (Hons) Charlotte’s degree in Sport and Material Science gives her great insight into the requirements of clothing and footwear. She is an expert on artificial sports surfaces and energy return, and also has an in-depth knowledge of human biomechanics. |
| Jeremy Hazard BSc During his 25 years with SATRA, Jeremy has helped to develop many of the machines and testing procedures that are now embedded in many SATRA test methods, British standards and international standards. He has a wealth of experience drawn from years of intimate acquaintance with SATRA’s tests, machines and facilities. |
| Zach Armitage BSc (Hons) With a degree in English and Physics followed by a grounding as a systems engineer before joining SATRA, Zach has contributed to the development of test equipment and prototype test machines. His technical abilities and written skills are well utilised, and a number of members have benefited from his work. |
How can we help?
Please email research@satra.co.uk to discuss the specialist product development services available from SATRA.
Publishing Data
This article was originally published on page 32 of the December 2012 issue of SATRA Bulletin.
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