What is BS 5131-4.2 - Footwear fibreboard about?
Some footwear components are produced by bonding together fibrous materials into sheets. These materials are known as fibreboards and are used mainly for insoles, stiffeners, counters, toe puffs, reinforcing, patterns, templates, etc. Fibreboards are made from vegetable materials such as wood pulp, cellulose, wastepaper, carton or animal fibres such as leather scrap.
The BS 5131 series describes methods of test for footwear and footwear materials. BS 5131-4.2 describes a method for assessing the flexing endurance of fibreboards for footwear. Results of the method provide a good guide to the general quality of the fibreboards used in footwear. The method is applicable to all fibreboards other than those used for insole seats and heel lifts.
The principle of BS 5131-4.2, states that the fibreboard is flexed mechanically and repeatedly until failure occurs. From the number of flex cycles to failure, a flexing index is calculated.
Who is BS 5131-4.2 - Footwear fibreboard for?
BS 5131-4.2 on footwear fibreboard is useful for:
- Footwear manufacturers
- The footwear industry
- Footwear design engineers
- Fibreboard manufacturers and suppliers
- Testing laboratories
Why should you use BS 5131-4.2 - Footwear fibreboard?
Fibreboards are used in shoemaking mainly for reinforcing the waist and heel seat area of the insole. Insole board makes to the overall stability, structural integrity and performance of a shoe will depend on the type of footwear construction being employed. For example, in a conventional stuck-on sole, the insole adds strength and shape and provides a backbone onto which the upper is secured.
In addition, the fibreboard needs to provide sufficient flexibility for the walking step while having the ability to withstand repeated flex cycles without damage. BS 5131-4.2 provides you with a flexing Index test method that is widely used to assess the flex endurance of fibreboards.
BS 5131-4.2 also guides you with the Jaw system with test specimen and weighted clamp. BS 5131-4.2 guidelines help you for assessing the flexing capability of fibreboard for footwear.