The assembly and crafting process of a shoe is fundamental in the footwear industry, encompassing various critical stages that ensure the quality and durability of the final product. This post aims to provide a detailed view of each of these essential steps.
-Initial trimming and preparation: The shoe crafting process begins with the trimming, where the leather cuts or any other selected materials are sewn and joined together. This step is crucial for the shoe’s durability and finish. A special adhesive is used that allows the joining of the pieces but can be reversed for adjustments during the process.
-Lasting: The lasting involves placing the counter at the heel and the toe puff at the toe, using specific adhesives for each type of material. This stage is performed manually, ensuring that both the counter and the toe puff are correctly aligned and adhered before being moulded.
-Moulding: The moulding machine uses internally heated aluminium moulds to shape the shoe’s upper, followed by a cold mould that stabilises and perfects this form. This phase not only shapes the shoe but also helps to dry the adhesives applied in earlier stages, consolidating the shoe’s structure.
-Lining and assembly: The shoe lining, which is in direct contact with the foot, is essential for comfort and preventing allergic or perspiration issues. The subsequent assembly involves placing the upper over the last, adjusting and shaping the material to begin forming the final structure of the shoe. Here, the last plays a crucial role as it mimics the human foot’s shape and facilitates the task of shaping the footwear.
-Fixing and gluing: Once assembled on the last, the insole is fixed, a crucial piece between the upper and the sole, using methods such as tacks or thermoplastics. Gluing is one of the most commonly used systems for adhering the upper to the sole, noted for its cost-efficiency and ease of application. This process includes surface preparation, the application of a primer and the adhesive, followed by a heating process in an oven to activate the adhesive.
-Finishing and quality control: Finally, the shoe undergoes a pressing process to ensure optimal adhesion and, depending on customer requirements, may proceed to reinforcement stitching or directly to the decoration department. It is vital to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions throughout the process to avoid quality issues.
This meticulous process ensures that each pair of shoes not only meets design and comfort expectations but also withstands daily use, reflecting the quality and care that Quinorgan puts into the manufacturing of components for shoe production.
