Sole Adhesion Tester

Introduction:

The adhesion strength of the sole of a shoe to its upper, is ascertained by measuring the force required to pull-off the sole from its upper. An appropriate last is set inside the shoe, which is then placed on a straight edge performing as a fulcrum for applying load on the sole and upper joint. Maximum load that the sole can withstand before coming off, is determined as well as reported as sole adhesion strength. This test can be performed either at the toe or at the heel of the shoe.

TEXCARE Sole Adhesion Tester incorporates a spring dynamometer to show the load applied at the junction of the upper as well as the sole, a straight-edge fulcrum for resting the shoe during the test, a arrangement of lever to transmit the load exerted on the piece of toe to the spring dynamometer, and an interchangeable set toe pieces with different curvature.

The spring dynamometer shows the load enforced on the joint straight in kilograms, taking into account mechanical support of the lever transferring force from the toe piece to it. And the load is effectively indicated on a circular dial.

The dynamometer has a black ponder to show the instantaneous load acting on the toe piece, two pointer and a dummy red pointer to indicate maximum load applied before adhesion failure. 

Five in number, the toe pieces are having different curvature to allow toes and heels of various shapes & sizes to be tested. However, the arc length of each toe piece is same to make sure that the load is applied only on a joint's fixed length. Made from carbon steel they give a long operational life. At one time, any one of the toe pieces can be fixed in the equipment. The fulcrum (on which the shoe is set) has adjustable height and during the test this enables testing of soles of different thickness. With the support of spacer strips provided with the instrument the fulcrum height is adjusted. The instrument has painted & bright chrome plated finishing to give it a corrosion-resistant finish.

Related Standards

IS: 8085(part I) - 1986 : Method of Test for Footwear Part I : Dimensions, Fitting, Adhesion Test, Peel Test, Heat Resistance Test, and Ageing Test.

IS: 11226 - 1993 : Specification for Leather Safety Footwear having direct moulded sole.