An investigation into a rolling process for the attachment of resin rubber soles to shoes

Abstract

The paper describes the results of mechanical rolling tests carried out using a resin rubber sheet material to establish the effects of roller pressure and differential roller speed on the subsequent distortion of the material. The justification for conducting these tests is based on the motivation to automate the attachment of shoe soles to lasted uppers as part of the final assembly operation in shoe manufacture. The design of a prototype experimental rolling rig is described and the test procedure outlined. The tests carried out suggest that it is possible to both extend and contract the length of a sample of resin rubber material whilst simultaneously bonding the material onto a flat surface representative of a shoe upper. Extensions of more than 1% were obtained using a roller differential speed of 2% (equivalent to 2 mm in length), and normal load of 3 kg. However, substantial differential speeds of up to -15% were required to bring about a compression of only 0.5% of the sample. Under these conditions it is probable that slip occurs between the roller surface and the sample.