Let’s delve into the cutting process within the shoe manufacturing procedure. Cutting is one of the initial stages in shoe production, where materials that will become components of the upper part (upper) of the shoe are cut. During this phase, materials are precisely cut according to the design, shaping the components. Accurate cutting is crucial as it directly impacts the design and quality of the product.
Cutting in the Shoe Manufacturing Process
The key points of the cutting phase are as follows:
- Pattern Checking and Preparation: Review the designed patterns and prepare them for actual use. It is necessary to understand and prepare each part’s pattern accurately.
- Material Selection: Choose suitable materials to harmonize with the design. Determine the cutting method and equipment based on the characteristics of each material.
- Precise Cutting: Cut the materials precisely according to the design. Perform the cutting work while maintaining accurate dimensions and shapes.
- Precision Finishing: Delicately trim and tidy the edges of each component to maintain a neat appearance.
- Quality Control: Thoroughly inspect the quality of the cut parts and take measures to detect and address defects or inconsistencies. Maintaining quality ensures adherence to product standards.
The materials cut during the cutting process are then passed on to the subsequent assembly and finishing stages. Precise cutting plays a vital role in ensuring the product’s shape and fit.
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| shoe manufacturing process : cut parts and names |
Types and Characteristics of Cutting Machines Used in Shoe Manufacturing
Die Cutting Machine (Table Cutting Machine)
Among cutting machines, this is one of the most classic types of equipment. The die cutting machine uses a die to lay out the fabric and stamp out the components that match each pattern. After cutting, workers load the components and push them through in batches.
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| 다이 재단기(Table Cutting Machine) |
- Pressure and Blade: Pressure is applied between the die and the material, and a blade on top is used to cut the material. Pressure is crucial for precise cutting, and the angle and shape of the blade also affect the cutting result.
- Precision Cutting: Die cutting machines provide precise cutting. Materials are cut accurately based on the shape of the die, ensuring consistent size and shape for the product.
- Mass Production: Die cutting machines are suitable for mass production. With a single die, many products can be produced quickly, maintaining consistent quality.
- Versatile Material Compatibility: They can work with various materials such as leather, fabric, foam, paper, and more. Different dies are used for cutting each material.
- Setup and Operation: Setting and operating the die and blade require adjustments. You can control the angle of the blade and pressure to achieve the desired cutting result.
Traveling Cutting Machine
A traveling cutting machine is characterized by the left-and-right movement of the cutting die. It is commonly used in shoe factories.
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| Cutting : Traveling Cutting Machine |
- Automatic Movement Mechanism: The traveling cutting machine has an automatic mechanism that moves the cutting press. This mechanism stops precisely at the desired position and performs the cutting.
- Pressure and Blade: Similar to other cutting machines, it applies pressure between the die and material and uses a blade to cut. Pressure is essential for accurate cutting, and the angle and shape of the blade matter.
- Versatile Material Compatibility: Traveling cutting machines can work with various types of materials, including leather, fabric, paper, plastic, and more.
- Efficient Production: Using the automatic movement mechanism, it maintains high productivity. By automatically moving the material at regular intervals and performing cutting, work efficiency is improved.
- Programmable: Some traveling cutting machines can define cutting patterns for materials through computer programming. This allows for automatic cutting of various designs and patterns.
Swing Arm Cutting Machine
A swing arm cutting machine is one of the devices used for precise cutting of materials. It operates using a swing arm mechanism, ensuring both precision and productivity.
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| Swing Arm Cutting Machine |
- Swing Arm Mechanism: The swing arm cutting machine adopts a swing arm that resembles a pivoting arm. It rotates around a pivot point while using a die (mold) on top to cut materials accurately.
- Versatile Material Compatibility: It can cut various materials, including leather, fabric, foam, paper, and more. Different dies are used for cutting each material.
- Precision Cutting: The swing arm mechanism allows for precision cutting. Adjusting the swing arm’s movement ensures precise cutting at desired locations.
- Simple Operation: It can perform cutting tasks with relatively simple operations. By adjusting the swing arm’s direction and speed, you can achieve the desired cutting result.
- High Productivity: Combining precise cutting with fast operation, it maintains high productivity. The swing arm moves at regular intervals, enhancing work efficiency.
Laser Cutting Machine
A laser cutting machine utilizes a laser beam to precisely cut materials. It is an advanced cutting device used in various industries, offering precision and versatility.
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| Laser Cutting Machine |
- Laser Beam Usage: Laser cutting machines use a laser beam to cut materials precisely. The laser beam is highly concentrated light that vaporizes or melts the material’s surface, achieving accurate cutting.
- Versatile Material Compatibility: Laser cutting machines can cut various materials, including metals, plastics, wood, fabric, and more.
- Precision Cutting: Laser beams provide extremely precise cutting. Due to the concentrated energy of the laser, small details and intricate patterns can be cut accurately.
- Contactless Operation: Laser beams cut materials without direct contact with the surface, minimizing surface damage while performing tasks.
- Programmable: Some laser cutting machines can perform automated cutting tasks through computer programming. By specifying designs and patterns in computer software, the machine automatically performs cutting.
- Operation Speed: Laser cutting machines offer relatively high operation speeds. They maintain precision cutting and high productivity simultaneously.
Oscillating Knife Cutting Machine
An oscillating knife cutting machine uses a high-frequency vibrating blade to precisely cut various types of materials. It is a valuable tool, especially for cutting soft or delicate materials.
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| OKC machine |
- Vibrating Blade Usage: Oscillating knife cutting machines use a high-frequency vibrating blade to cut materials. This blade vibrates rapidly while cutting, allowing for precise cutting.
- Versatile Material Compatibility: They can cut various materials, including fabric, leather, foam, paper, plastic, and more.
- Precision Cutting: The high-speed vibration of the blade enables precise cutting. It can cut small details and complex patterns accurately.
- Contactless Operation: The vibrating blade cuts materials without direct contact with the surface, minimizing surface damage during operation.
- Variety of Blade Types: Oscillating knife cutting machines can use various blade types. You can choose different shapes and sizes of blades for different cutting tasks.
- Programmable: Some oscillating knife cutting machines can perform automated cutting tasks through computer programming. By specifying designs and patterns in computer software, the machine automatically performs cutting.
Blade Types Used in Cutting Machines for Shoe Manufacturing
The blades used to create shoe patterns come in various shapes and designs, selected based on the materials and design of the shoes. Cutting machines that utilize these patterns fall under the principles of Table Cutting, as mentioned earlier, and include 1) Table Cutting Machines, 2) Swing Arm Cutting Machines, and 3) Traveling Cutting Machines.
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| Blade for cutting |
- Straight Blade:
- This blade features a standard, straight shape.
- It is used for cutting simple shoe designs.
- It is effective for cutting the basic shape of patterns and can be applied to various materials.
- Jumper Blade:
- The Jumper Blade combines short curves with straight sections.
- The curved part is useful for cutting rounded designs, while the straight section is employed for more intricate cuts.
- It is suitable for cutting rounded shoe patterns and complex designs.
- Wingtip Blade:
- The Wingtip Blade consists of two small wings attached to it.
- It is used for cutting the edges or curved sections of shoe patterns, enabling precise and intricate cuts.
- This blade is helpful for cutting the fine details of shoes.
- Hole Punch Blade:
- This special blade is designed for creating small circular holes.
- It is used when there is a need to incorporate design elements like holes in shoes, especially in materials like suede or for shoes with hole details.”
When creating shoe cutting blades, precise attention to details such as blade angles, welding condition, horizontal alignment with the base, and paint application is essential. The blades must be of sufficient strength to prevent bending or damage, ensuring the quality of the cutting process.
Taking another look at the overall process of making shoes from the beginning will be even more helpful for better understanding.
