In this section, we will delve into the Stockfit process, which constitutes the latter part of the shoe manufacturing process. Generally considered a straightforward procedure, this segment will be briefly introduced without extensive elaboration.
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| shoe manufacturing : stockfit |
What is the Stockfit Process?
The Stockfit process, often referred to as Stockfit, involves a very straightforward workflow. In essence, it is the stage where the outsole and midsole of the shoe are bonded together. This process is carried out on a conveyor line equipped with heating chambers and presses, with the complexity of the line process not being significantly high compared to other procedures.
Stockfit Process : Shoe Manufacturing Process
The Stockfit process follows the sequential steps outlined below:
- Cleaning Outsole
- Priming Outsole
- Priming Midsole
- Cementing Outsole
- Cementing Midsole
- Midsole & Outsole Attachment
- Deep Well Press
- Inspection
Cleaning Outsole
The cleaning outsole process involves the cleaning of the finished outsole. This step is crucial for removing impurities from the surface of the outsole, ensuring that adhesion or subsequent processes proceed smoothly.
The cleaning sequence typically includes:
- Chemical Preparation: Selecting the appropriate cleaning agent.
- Cleaning: Using the cleaning agent to clean the outsole.
- First Rinse: Rinsing with water.
- Second Rinse: Additional rinsing with additives if necessary.
- Drying: Drying at the appropriate temperature and duration.
Importance of Cleaning Outsole:
- Improved Adhesion: A clean surface enhances adhesive properties.
- Quality Control: Removal of impurities enhances the overall product quality.
- Smooth Subsequent Processes: Cleaning facilitates the smooth progression of subsequent processes.
Priming Outsole
Priming outsole work involves the application of a primer to the surface of the outsole during the shoe manufacturing process. The primer serves to prepare the surface for better adhesion between the outsole and other components, such as the midsole. In most shoe factories, this primer application is carried out manually by workers.
Key Steps in Priming Outsole:
- Outsole Inspection: Examination of outsole material and quality.
- Primer Selection: Choosing a primer compatible with the outsole material.
- Primer Application: Evenly applying the selected primer to the outsole surface.
- Drying and Curing: Allowing the primer to dry completely, with optional curing if needed.
- Quality Inspection: Ensuring proper primer application through quality checks.
Importance of Priming Outsole:
- Enhanced Adhesion: Primer application improves adhesion properties.
- Quality Control: Ensures better quality in the final product.
- Smooth Subsequent Processes: Facilitates smooth progression of subsequent processes, such as adhesion and assembly.
Priming Midsole
Priming midsole work is similar to priming the outsole and involves applying a primer to the surface of the midsole during the shoe manufacturing process. The primer’s role is to prepare the midsole’s surface for improved adhesion with other components, such as the outsole. The overall process steps and importance are similar to priming the outsole.
Cementing Outsole
Cement in this context refers to adhesive. Cementing outsole is the process of attaching the outsole to the midsole in the shoe manufacturing process. In this process, the adhesive, known as ‘cement,’ is carefully chosen based on its chemical properties.
The process involves the following steps:
- Component Preparation: Inspecting materials like outsole and midsole.
- Cement Selection: Choosing cement compatible with the outsole.
- Cement Application: Applying the chosen cement evenly to the parts to be bonded.
- Bonding and Drying: Using hydraulic pressure or other methods to bond the outsole with the midsole.
- Drying: Waiting until the bonded part is completely dry.
- Quality Inspection: Ensuring the cementing process meets quality standards.
Importance of Cementing Outsole:
- Durability: Proper cementing enhances the shoe’s durability.
- Performance: Optimizes grip and shock absorption in the outsole.
- Quality: A critical step that defines the overall quality of the shoe.
Cementing Midsole
The process of cementing the midsole is similar to cementing the outsole and follows nearly identical steps. The choice of cement’s chemical composition may vary.
Midsole & Outsole Attachment
The sole attachment process involves attaching the outsole and midsole, which have undergone cementing in previous steps. After the cementing process, the components are dried and are in an ideal state for bonding. The difficulty level of sole attachment may vary depending on the shoe’s design.
Pressing : Deep Well Press
The sole assembly, once completed, undergoes pressure bonding using a machine called the deep well press. Despite the force exerted by workers during attachment, machine-aided pressure ensures consistent bonding strength and durability, enhancing the shoe’s adhesive quality and overall resilience.
Inspection
Finally, a comprehensive inspection is conducted to assess the quality of the bonded sole, including adhesion, appearance, dimensions, and other relevant factors.
Equipment Used in Stockfit Process
The equipment used in the Stockfit process is relatively simple, given the straightforward nature of this stage. Commonly used equipment includes:
- Stockfit Conveyor: A two-tier structure comprising mesh and belt conveyors.
- Chambers: These regulate temperature using heat and NIR, facilitating drying of primers and cement.
- Deep Well Press: Hydraulic machinery for pressing the sole components.
- Thompson Cutter: Used for cutting specific outsole types after cementing.
In conclusion, we have provided a brief overview of the Stockfit process. While this process itself is relatively simple, the quality of adhesion between the outsole and midsole significantly impacts the overall shoe quality. In our next session, we will explore the manufacturing process in more detail, providing a comprehensive understanding of the entire shoe-making process.
Taking another look at the overall process of making shoes from the beginning will be even more helpful for better understanding.
