To understand leather is the key first step to master the technical threshold and market demand of the safety shoe industry. As one of the core materials of safety shoes, leather not only carries the protective function, but also directly affects the durability and comfort of the product. This article will explore its application value in the field of safety shoes in depth.
Why do safety shoes need leather?
In the field of industrial protection, leather has become the preferred material for safety shoes due to its unique physical properties. First, the natural breathability of genuine leather fibers can adjust the environment inside the shoe. This can avoid the problem of hot feet caused by long-term wear. Secondly, specially treated leather has excellent tear resistance. Taking the 2.5mm thick top layer of cowhide as an example, its tear resistance is as high as 60N/mm². This is far higher than most synthetic materials. More importantly, leather can perfectly match the various protection needs of safety shoes.
1. Physical protection: The anti-smashing and anti-puncture requirements of the EN ISO 20345 standard can be achieved through the superposition process
2. Chemical protection: Vegetable tanned leather has a natural tolerance to weak acid and alkali solutions
3. Thermal protection: Leather treated with flame retardant can withstand instantaneous high temperature contact
Key processes of leather processing
1. Upgrading of tanning process:
The traditional chrome tanning method is gradually being replaced by environmentally friendly chrome-free tanning. The new titanium-aluminum composite tanning agent can increase the shrinkage temperature of leather to above 120°C, while reducing 90% of wastewater pollution. The vegetable tanning process is revived in high-end products, and its copper rust patina formed by natural oxidation is highly favored by the European and American markets.
2. Functional treatment:
According to the characteristics of different materials, waterproof treatment, antibacterial treatment and wear-resistant treatment are carried out respectively.
3. Surface finishing:
The embossing process can simulate special textures such as crocodile skin and lizard skin, and the laser engraving technology can achieve personalized customization with an accuracy of 0.1mm. The new film transfer technology makes the second layer of leather achieve the visual effect of the first layer of leather, reducing the cost by 40% while maintaining the basic physical properties.
To understand leather's value deeply can we make more professional safety shoe purchasing decisions. If you are interested in our products or factories, please feel free to contact us!
