Overview
EN ISO 17693:2005 specifies standardized test methods for evaluating the resistance to damage on lasting of footwear uppers and complete upper assemblies, regardless of the material used. Developed by CEN and based on ISO 17693:2004, this standard is crucial for assessing the durability and suitability of upper materials for their intended use in finished footwear. By defining consistent procedures for testing, the standard helps ensure product quality across the global footwear industry.
Key Topics
- Test Scope: Method applies to all footwear upper materials-leather, synthetic materials, and textiles-and to complete upper assemblies, except for areas with structural features like seams or perforations.
- Resistance to Damage on Lasting: The method determines a material’s ability to withstand mechanical stretching and stress during manufacturing-specifically, its performance during the lasting process when uppers are shaped and fixed onto the shoe last.
- Sampling and Conditioning: Specifications are given for sample sizes, environmental conditioning, and the exclusion of certain upper regions, ensuring reliable and comparable results.
- Test Apparatus: The standard describes the use of a clamping device and a moveable plunger with a spherical end to distend the sample and measure both the force and the extent of deformation leading to the first damage or complete rupture.
- Result Expression: Results are typically recorded as the average force and distension at which the first damage, grain crack (for leather), or bursting occurs, supporting consistent reporting and comparison.
Applications
EN ISO 17693:2005 provides significant practical value for various stakeholders in the footwear sector:
- Footwear Manufacturers: Ensures that chosen upper materials and assemblies withstand manufacturing stresses, supporting product long life and reducing return rates due to material failures.
- Material Suppliers: Allows suppliers to certify their materials to industry standards, making it easier to market components as reliable and fit for purpose.
- Product Development and Quality Control: Facilitates the selection and verification of materials during the design phase, as well as routine quality checks before or after footwear assembly.
- Testing Laboratories: Offers an internationally aligned protocol for conducting standard resistance tests on footwear uppers, enabling third-party verification and benchmarking.
Implementing EN ISO 17693:2005 helps businesses achieve greater consistency in product quality, streamline compliance with international regulations, and build consumer trust in finished footwear products.
Related Standards
Compliance with EN ISO 17693:2005 is often supported by reference to other footwear and material testing standards, including:
- EN 12222: Footwear – Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing of footwear and components. Ensures consistency in test environment conditions.
- prEN ISO 2418: Leather – Sampling for physical and chemical testing. Outlines how to select representative samples, especially for leather uppers.
- EN 13511:2001 (Superseded): The standard replaced by EN ISO 17693:2005, offering improved and updated guidance.
By aligning test practices with these related standards, manufacturers and laboratories can ensure a comprehensive approach to footwear material performance and international market compliance.
Keywords: EN ISO 17693:2005, footwear uppers, resistance to damage, lasting, test methods, shoe manufacturing, footwear standards, durability testing, ISO 17693, material testing, quality assurance, footwear industry.
