SATRA test method revisions

A number of footwear-related test method updates have recently been published.

SATRA has been providing the footwear industry with test methods for nearly 100 years. These methods are produced through careful research and technical application, and are internationally recognised. Almost every footwear specification and international standard will contain SATRA test methods of some sort. New test methods are being continuously produced, often as a result of listening to the requirements of member companies as they produce the next generation of footwear materials, components and constructions.

SATRA has continued to develop its library of test methods during 2017, with several undergoing technical review and revision. A number of these revisions have now been published and are available for purchase.

In addition to the rigorous review of existing SATRA test methods, SATRA has continued to develop new publications. For example, a new test method to ascertain the scuff resistance of leathers, particularly those used in sports footwear, has been published as SATRA TM448:2017 – ‘Scuffing resistance of leathers – Lisson Tretrad method’. This test has been designed to determine the scuff resistance of leathers against synthetic grass on a Lisson Tretrad test machine. The specimens of leather are attached to a four-footed wheel (the ‘Tretrad’), which is then rolled across an abradant at a constant load and slippage, and for a prescribed number of cycles.

Other SATRA test method revisions include the following:

The SATRA TM77:1992 – ‘Flexing machine – water penetration test’ has been republished as SATRA TM77:2017 following a significant technical review. This test method is used to assess the resistance of water penetration of completed footwear during flexing, and is applicable to most types of footwear. The technical revision resulted in a number of amendments, including the removal of references to the magenta dye required in the SATRA TM77:1992 method.

SATRA TM171:1995 – ‘Resistance to water penetration – penetrometer test’ has been revised and republished as SATRA TM171:2017. This test method determines the resistance of a material to water penetration on flexing. It is mainly applicable to leather, although it can also be used with any flexible sheet material. The key amendment of this revision is the update of the required test machine specifications.

SATRA TM24:1992, SATRA TM29:1992, SATRA TM30:1995 and SATRA TM162:1992 were all reviewed to ensure that they were technically current.  Revisions to these test methods included updating the testing procedures, confirming standard references and updating figures where necessary. These test methods have now been republished, the details of which are as follows.

The SATRA TM24:2017 – ‘Lastometer ball burst test’ is used to assess how much a material can be distended without damage. While this method is mainly applicable to footwear uppers, it can be applied to other sheet materials such as leather, plastic or textiles.

SATRA TM29:2017 – ‘Breaking strength and extension at break’ is intended to determine the force required to break a test specimen and its extension at break. The method can be applied to all types of textile and coated textile materials.

The SATRA TM30:2017 – ‘Tear strength – trouser leg method’ test assesses the force required to tear a material, such as a non-leather footwear upper and lining material, or other thin flexible material.

SATRA TM162:2017 – ‘Tear strength – Baumann method’ is used to measure the force of strength required to tear a material, and is applicable to all types of leather.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 44 of the June 2017 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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