Overview
ISO 17704:2004 - Footwear - Test methods for uppers, linings and insocks - Abrasion resistance - defines a laboratory method to determine the resistance of footwear uppers, linings and insocks to wet and dry abrasion. The method assesses suitability for end use regardless of material and is commonly implemented on a Martindale-type abrasion machine using a controlled Lissajous rubbing pattern.
Key topics and requirements
- Test principle: Circular specimens are rubbed against a standard abradant (fabric or paper) under constant pressure; two specimens are tested dry and two wet. Damage is inspected at specified intervals.
- Apparatus:
- Circular specimen carrier exposing an area of about 645 mm².
- Horizontal abradant table with a central test area (88 mm side) and Lissajous motion covering 60 mm × 60 mm.
- Machine speed ≈ 5 rad/s ± 0.4 rad/s and a defined counting of cycles (16 revolutions per Lissajous figure).
- Constant contact pressure of 12 kPa ± 0.2 kPa (corresponding mass specified).
- Abradants and consumables:
- Standard worsted-spun woven abradant fabric with defined yarn and mass characteristics (supplier-recommended face to be used).
- Abradant paper (36 grit recommended) as an alternative.
- Table felt, polyurethane foam backing for materials under 500 g/m², pressing weights and water jet for wet tests.
- Sampling and conditioning: At least two specimens per condition; condition specimens in accordance with EN 12222 prior to dry testing; avoid edges and ensure representative sampling of patterned or woven materials.
- Inspection schedule: Predefined inspection/re-wetting revolutions (examples include 1 600, 3 200, 6 400, etc.). Damage is rated qualitatively (none, very slight, slight, moderate, severe, almost complete, complete) and holes or layer removal are recorded.
- Test report: Must state abradant type, wet/dry condition, total revolutions, damage levels (including intermediate stages), material description and test method reference, test date and any deviations.
Applications and users
- Footwear manufacturers and component suppliers validating abrasion resistance of uppers, linings and insocks.
- Materials R&D and quality control laboratories performing comparative testing and specification verification.
- Compliance teams and product designers assessing material suitability for intended wear conditions (wet/dry environments).
- Test houses offering accredited footwear testing services for retail and OEM supply chains.
Related standards
- EN 12222 (conditioning and testing atmospheres for footwear and components)
- EN 13400 (sampling and conditioning guidance)
Keywords: ISO 17704, abrasion resistance, footwear test methods, uppers, linings, insocks, Martindale, Lissajous, abradant fabric, abradant paper, EN 12222.
