Overview
ISO 20873:2018 is an international standard established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies a precise test method for assessing the dimensional stability of footwear outsoles. Specifically, it defines the procedure for determining the linear shrinkage of outsole materials after heating test specimens. Ensuring dimensional stability in outsoles is critical for footwear manufacturers aiming to maintain quality, comfort, and durability in their products.
This standard is essential for quality control and material performance evaluation in the footwear industry, as it helps to identify how outsoles behave under thermal stress, preventing issues related to deformation during manufacturing or use.
Key Topics
- Scope: Defines a method to measure linear shrinkage of outsole test specimens subjected to heat treatment at 70 °C for 24 hours.
- Test specimens: Preparation of samples with prescribed dimensions and reference marks for accurate measurement.
- Measurement: Procedures for measuring distances between reference cuts before and after heating with an accuracy of ±0.2 mm.
- Heat treatment: Controlled heating in a thermostatically regulated oven to assess shrinkage under standardized conditions.
- Shrinkage calculation: Formula for calculating percent linear shrinkage, considering both initial and post-heat treatment dimensions.
- Test report: Guidelines recommending detailed reporting including specimen dimensions, test conditions, results expressed as shrinkage percentage, sample descriptions, and any procedural deviations.
- Referenced standards: Incorporates other ISO standards relevant to footwear conditioning and sampling, such as ISO 17709 and ISO 18454, ensuring comprehensive testing quality.
Applications
- Footwear quality control: ISO 20873:2018 enables manufacturers to verify outsole materials maintain shape during production processes involving heat, such as molding or bonding.
- Material selection: Helps in choosing outsole compounds with superior dimensional stability, improving product performance and durability.
- Research & development: Facilitates innovation by providing a reliable benchmark for testing new outsole materials and technologies.
- Supplier evaluation: Assists brands in assessing consistency and compliance of outsole suppliers through standardized testing.
- Regulatory compliance: Aligns with international testing norms, providing confidence in product claims and market acceptance.
- Inventory and storage: Assesses how outsole materials respond to prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures, guiding proper storage conditions.
Related Standards
- ISO 17709 - Footwear: Sampling location, preparation, and duration of conditioning of samples and test pieces
- ISO 18454 - Footwear: Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing of footwear and components
- ISO 23529 - Rubber: General procedures for preparing and conditioning test pieces for physical test methods
These referenced ISO standards complement ISO 20873:2018 by defining essential parameters related to sample conditioning, preparation, and environmental control, ensuring reliable and reproducible test results for outsole dimensional stability.
By adhering to ISO 20873:2018, footwear manufacturers and testers ensure they meet internationally recognized procedures for outsole dimensional stability testing, ultimately contributing to higher quality footwear products with consistent performance and consumer satisfaction.
