Mold Maintenance and Adjustment in Footwear Sole Molding

Mold Maintenance and Adjustment in Footwear Sole Molding

Why Keeping Molds in Optimal Condition Is Essential.

In the injection molding industry for shoe sole production, the quality of the final product relies significantly on the efficiency and precision of the molds used. Molds are the core tool in molding process, and, like any equipment, they require proper care to ensure peak performance.

In this article, we’ll examine why regular mold maintenance and regular adjustments are essential in shoe sole molding and the tangible benefits they bring to companies in the plastic molding for footwear.

1. The Quality of the Sole Depends on the Mold

In the early stages of production, precise mold setup is crucial to verify functionality and make any necessary improvements. During production, regular mold maintenance helps prevent aesthetic and structural defects in the soles. Poorly maintained molds can result in issues such as:

  • Burrs and flashes
  • Thickness variations
  • Surface irregularities

These defects can compromise not only the appearance, but also the technical performance of the sole, potentially affecting customer satisfaction. In a competitive and quality-driven sector like luxury footwear, preventing these defects is critical. Implementing a preventive maintenance program for molds reduces waste, avoids costly rework and supports consistent quality control.

2. Extending Mold Lifespan

Molds are subject to wear and tear due to the high temperatures and intensive use typical of the plastic injection molding process. Preventive maintenance allows companies to detect issues such as wear, corrosion or material buildup, leading to several key advantages:

  • Extended mold lifespan
  • Reduced need for costly replacements
  • Optimized economic efficiency across the entire production cycle

3. Minimizing Downtime

Timely mold adjustments are essential to minimize machine downtime, ensuring an uninterrupted production flow and reducing costs associated with unexpected breakdowns. A preventive maintenance plan that includes regular inspections and repairs enable companies to:

  • Identify potential issues early on
  • Reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns that can halt production and cause delays in delivery schedules

By proactively managing maintenance, companies can maintain their productivity and uphold high standards in lead times, essential for meeting the fast-paced demands of the luxury footwear market.

4. Ensuring Precision and Consistency

Well-maintained molds guarantee the precision needed to meet dimensional tolerances and technical specifications in the shoe sole production. In a market where accurancy and consistency are essential for customer satisfaction, regular mold maintenance and adjustments help companies to produce high-quality, standardized soles.

Well-maintained molds are vital for achieving the precision and consistency needed in luxury shoe sole production. Our in-house team of specialists ensures that molds always meet the strict dimensional tolerances required, enabling us to achieve:

  • Standardized quality across all soles
  • Consistency and repeatability across production batches

In the luxury footwear industry, where precision and consistency are non-negotiable, regular maintenance helps sustain high-quality standards and ensures that each product meets the expectations of discerning clients.

A Strategic Investment in Competitiveness

For companies dedicated to shoe sole molding for high-end footwear brands, keeping molds in peak condition is a strategic investment that extends beyond operational costs. Regular maintenance and timely adjustments reduce waste, optimize production efficiency and support reliable delivery times.

Thanks to our in-house tool shop and dedicated team specializing in mold maintenance and adjustment, we can perform swift interventions that minimize downtime. This in-house capability allows us to maintain consistent quality without depending on external suppliers, ensuring efficient, prompt mold management and safeguarding production timelines.

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    HOW IS A SAMPLE SET OF SHOE SOLES CREATED?

    suole per calzature
    suole per calzature

    HOW IS A SAMPLE SET OF SHOE SOLES CREATED?

    Stylistic research and product innovation are key elements in determining the success of a footwear collection. This is why we offer our clients a dedicated service for creating prototypes and fashion samples. Let’s explore together how a sample set of shoe soles is created.

    What is a sample set?

    A sample set is the prototype of an item not yet on the market, designed to showcase a new fashion collection or a redesigned product. It is used to evaluate the fit, material quality and manufacturing processes, allowing for adjustments before production begins. Creating a sample set is a crucial step in the fashion industry, representing the first model of a new product.

    Just like a dress, a shoe starts with a designer’s idea, which is transformed into a sketch. This sketch goes through various stages involving multiple companies to become a finished product. We are part of this process, focusing on the shoe’s base: the sole.

    Phase 1: Project consultation and mold design

    Following an initial technical and economic consultation on the project, our technical department designs the mold, which is the negative shell of the sole, based on the sketch provided by the fashion company’s style office. The sketch can be a simple drawing or a vector file and can represent a completely new model or modifications to existing ones. Like the upper part of the shoe, the sole requires a detailed study of design, volumes, colors, materials and the type of support it will provide to the foot, considering factors such as lightness and durability. Once the sole template is determined, we proceed to prototyping, creating the model in rigid or soft material.

    Phase 2: Prototiping

    Prototyping is the simulation of the final sole, allowing the fashion company’s style office to see their ideas realized and evaluate their feasibility. Sometimes, a prototype may be discarded because it does not meet the designer’s expectations or involves overly complex and expensive processes. Prototypes also help identify any technical challenges during production. Each prototype is archived with a “prototype sheet” containing details such as season, year, model, drawing, type of processing and material consumption.

    Phase 3: Construction of the mould pilot

    Next, we create a pilot mold with a male and/or female numbering, depending on the model. The pilot mold usually corresponds to the middle size of the range: 37/38 for women, 42/43 for men, 31/32 for children.

    Phase 4: Color references and sample sole

    The style office and the client’s product office send us the color references they want to test before the shoe goes to market. Our sample manager develops the masterbatch and produces the first samples, perfecting all necessary processes such as molding, painting, foaming or assembling components. The sample sole is then sent to the client for approval. If approved, mass production begins and the signed sample sole is archived in our sample archive.

    The unpredictable market trends and the relentless pursuit of innovation mean that client requests are increasingly unique. The search for new sustainable materials, trending colors and components make each client a world of their own, creating the distinctive character of the fashion company behind all our work.

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      A Comprehensive Guide to Polyurethane for Footwear Soles

      suola stampata in PU poliuretano
      suola stampata in PU poliuretano

      A Comprehensive Guide to Polyurethane for Footwear Soles

      Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile material acclaimed for its outstanding physical and chemical attributes, extensively utilized across industries. This in-depth exploration delves into various PU forms, spotlighting its unique advantages in footwear industry.

      Polyurethane Properties and Applications

      Polyurethane (PU) emerges as a key player, renowned for its superior physical and chemical prowess. Its elasticity and resilience make it a prime choice, resilient even in challenging environments and stress conditions.

      • Structural Rigid Expanded Polyurethanes: deployed in furniture and marine sectors for advanced structural capabilities.
      • Rigid Expanded Polyurethanes: lightweight foams catering to thermal insulation needs in construction and industrial and domestic refrigeration.
      • Semi-Rigid Expanded Polyurethanes: applied in automotive settings for components like steering wheels and dashboards.
      • Flexible Expanded Polyurethanes: versatile foams applicable in mattresses, toys and automotive applications.
      • Compact Expanded Polyurethanes and Elastomers: materials for footwear soles, yarns, sports articles and waterproofing.
      • Paints and Adhesives: diverse applications in construction and furniture.

      Polyurethane Advantages in Footwear Soles

      Polyurethane used in footwear sole production stands out for its softness and durability. Injected directly into the mold with isocyanate, polyol and specific additives, it offers:

      • Resilience to external elements
      • Waterproofing for prolonged wear
      • Lightweight construction
      • Supple texture for enhanced comfort
      • Dimensional stability amidst rigorous use
      • Mechanical strength, abrasion resistance and enduring high temperatures
      • Proven longevity, ensuring sustainable wear
      • Adaptable to custom coating applications
      • Versatility suited for safety, sports, and trendsetting fashion soles

      Considering the integration of polyurethane in your footwear production processes? Reach out for a personalized consultation.

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        DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TPU AND PU IN THE PRODUCTION OF FOOTWEAR SOLE

        suole stampate
        suole stampate in TPU e PU

        DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TPU AND PU IN THE PRODUCTION OF FOOTWEAR SOLE

        TPU and PU are two materials widely used in the footwear sector due to their high chemical and mechanical characteristics, but they have significant differences in properties and application. Let’s see what the characteristics and differences are.

        In the footwear industry, the choice of materials for the production of soles is a crucial aspect that affects the performance, comfort and durability of the shoe. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyurethane (PU) are among the most used materials: they share significant chemical and mechanical characteristics, as they belong to the same family, but they also have significant differences that influence the final result. This guide aims to help industry operators make informed decisions in the production of quality footwear soles.

        TPU: ROBUSTNESS, VERSATILITY AND RESISTANCE

        Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is known for its excellent mechanical properties. Thanks to these characteristics, TPU is one of the best performing materials for the production of different types of footwear soles (sports, casual, elegant, accident prevention, healthcare), allowing the creation of products with high-level technical and aesthetic qualities.

        The main advantages of using TPU in the production of shoe soles are:

        1. High abrasion resistance: TPU soles are designed to last over time and are an ideal choice for shoes subject to mechanical stress or intensive use.
        2.  Flexibility: The TPU soles offer good flexibility even at low temperatures, ensuring comfort and functionality of the shoe.
        3. Chemical Resistance: TPU resists substances such as oils, greases and solvents well, which are common in many industrial or outdoor environments.
        4. Design Versatility: TPU can be molded into different shapes and hardnesses, allowing great freedom in outsole design.
        5. Unlimited style options: TPU gives the possibility of applying any type of color and finish (glossy, matt, metallic, glitter, pearlescent, etc.), and of painting.

        PU: COMFORT, LIGHTNESS AND DURABILITY

        Good footwear should be comfortable and durable. Polyurethane meets these needs. Used to make soles, midsoles and insoles, PU is characterized by a wide range of densities that allow customization of rebound and comfort. Furthermore, its resistance to chemical, atmospheric and biological agents, together with its impermeability to water and dimensional stability, make it a reliable option.

        The main advantages of using PU in the production of shoe soles are:

        1. Excellent Cushioning: PU offers the possibility of customizing the level of cushioning, making the fit comfortable and absorbing impacts during walking.
        2. Lightweight: PU allows for the production of lightweight soles for shoes that are comfortable to wear.
        3. Resistance to external agents: PU is known for its resistance to chemical, atmospheric and biological agents.
        4. Dimensional stability: PU soles maintain their technical performance over time.
        5. Economic factor: depending on the formulation, PU can be cheaper than TPU, an aspect to consider in large-scale production

        TPU OR PU?

        The choice between the use of TPU and PU in the footwear industry is a crucial decision that depends on the priorities of the brand and the specific needs of the product. Both of these materials offer a wide range of possibilities for creating high-quality soles. Understanding their differences is essential to creating footwear that meets the needs of the customer and the end consumer.

        If you would like to further explore the applications of TPU and PU in the production of shoe soles or need advice for your project, contact us. We’re here to answer your questions and help you create ideal footwear for your brand.

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          POR MARCHE FESR 2014/2020 – ASSE 1 – OS 1 – AZIONE 1.3 – INTERVENTO 1.3.1 “Promote corporate innovation processes and the use of new digital technologies” – “TECHNOLOGICAL AND DIGITAL TRANSITION OF PRODUCTION PROCESSES AND ORGANIZATION”

          POR MARCHE FESR 2014/2020 – ASSE 1 – OS 1 – AZIONE 1.3 – INTERVENTO 1.3.1 “Promote corporate innovation processes and the use of new digital technologies” – “TECHNOLOGICAL AND DIGITAL TRANSITION OF PRODUCTION PROCESSES AND ORGANIZATION”

          Introduction to the production cycle of two new anthropomorphic lines for carding and gluing soles aimed at promoting the technological transition of the company towards the Industry 4.0 paradigm. The objectives of the project are the automation, standardization and insourcing of the gluing and carding processes, with the aim of improving production efficiency and quality.

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            Advantages of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) in Footwear Sole Production: A Comprehensive Guide

            Advantages of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) in Footwear Sole Production: A Comprehensive Guide

            If you’re in search of a versatile and high-performing material for footwear sole production, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) might be the ideal solution. In this guide, we will explore the numerous advantages that make TPU an outstanding choice for manufacturing various types of shoe sole, from athletic to elegant.

            1. High Technical and Aesthetic Performance

            TPU offers advanced technical features combined with a high-level aesthetic appeal. This combination makes it suitable for producing any type of footwear, ensuring both excellent performance and an eye-catching appearance.

            2. Multifunctional Resistance

            With excellent resistance to grip, abrasion, chemicals, atmospheric conditions and oils, TPU stands out for its durability. This multifunctional resistance is crucial in the footwear industry.

            3. Dimensional Stability and Hardness Customization

            Dimensional stability is a key aspect of TPU, ensuring that soles maintain their shape over time. Additionally, the ability to customize hardness provides added flexibility in footwear design.

            4. Excellent Flexibility and Diverse Color Option

            TPU’s outstanding flexibility translates to comfort for shoe wearers. Moreover, the wide range of available colors – glossy, matte, metallic, glittery, pearlescent, etc. – allows customization of shoe soles based on personal style and market demands.

            5. Custom Paint Finishes

            TPU offers the option of applying custom paint finishes, adding a distinctive touch to footwear soles. This creative choice allows for product differentiation in the market.

            6. Reduced Environmental Impact

            Its sustainability as a recyclable material or derived from renewable sources contributes to reducing the environmental impact of both production and the finished product.

            If you are planning a footwear project and would like more information on using TPU, feel free to contact us!

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                Stepping into Sustainability: The Impact of Biopolymers in Plasting Molding for Footwear

                Stepping into Sustainability: The Impact of Biopolymers in Plasting Molding for Footwear

                Like the entire fashion system, the footwear industry is increasingly moving towards an eco-friendly production process to reduce environmental impact and meet sustainability challenges. Let’s explore what new biopolymers are and how they can be integrated into the creation of a shoe sole.

                Many fashion brands are transitioning to a more eco-friendly approach to minimize their environmental footprint and cater to the growing demand from consumers for sustainable products. The footwear industry is also aligning itself with these needs and adapting to new trends, with the goal of transforming its processes and business models into a more sustainable practices.

                A Definition: Not Bioplastic, But Bioplastics

                Firstly, let’s provide a brief overview of what bioplastics are. As defined by European Bioplastics, the term bioplastics refers to a type of plastic that can be biodegradable, bio-based or possess both features. This description encompasses a broad family of polymers categorized into various types.

                To be more precise, bioplastics can:

                – Originate (partially or entirely) from biomass and not be biodegradable (e.g., bio-PE, bio-PP, bio-PET);

                – Originate (partially or entirely) from biomass and be biodegradable (e.g., PLA, PHA, PHB, starch-based plastics);

                – Entirely originate from non-renewable raw materials and be biodegradable (e.g., PBAT, PCL, PBS).

                Bioplastics are classified based on their production and recycling process. Two main polymer categories are generally used: bio-based plastics and biodegradable plastics.

                Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics

                Bio-based plastics consist of materials whose components come entirely or partially from renewable and plant-based raw materials. These materials include biopolymers created from biomass, primarily composed of sugars (sugar cane), starches (corn, wheat, sweet potatoes), cellulose, algae, vegetable oils, and more. This category includes materials mainly used in food packaging and textile fibers.

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