From our Fibre Products Division, we offer TOELINE and BACKLINE range of toepuff and counter materials, in solvent activated range with both woven and non-woven base fabrics, as well as heat activated range with non-woven base fabric.  The normal sheet size is 1000mm x 1000mm, but specific sizes can be offered for bulk requirements.

The TOELINE range includes all thickness from 0.60mm to 1.00mm in both solvent and thermo activated (single side coated) varieties.

The BACKLINE range includes all thickness from 0. 90mm to 1.60mm in both solvent and thermo activated (double side coated) varieties.

SOLVENT ACTIVATED STIFFENERS

Our SOLVENT ACTIVATED STIFFENERS range of woven and non-woven based materials are a blend of synthetic base fabrics with polystyrene based impregnant.

The best result on our range of solvent stiffeners would be obtained when used with common solvents like MEK, Ethyl Acetate, Toluene, Methylene Chloride or a combination of two or more of these solvents proportionately.  The combination has to be decided by the user on the criteria of cost and speed of production desired.  A high tack is the resultant and these sheets can also be reactivated few times without loss of tack.

An excellent property of these materials is the ability to attain the exact shape of the last and high hardness upon setting, highly suitable for certain heavy foot wears like industrial boots.

THERMO ACTIVATED STIFFENERS

These stiffeners are made of scrimless non-woven base fabrics impregnated with polystyrene based impregnant and coated with EVA hot melt adhesive.

To achieve the best results, the recommended fusing conditions for the thermo stiffener range are:

• A fusing press temperature setting of between 100o - 140o C, and a pressure of 4.20 kg/cm2

• Dwell time to be varied between 8 to 15 secs, depending on the stiffener and upper material being fused.

• The upper-stiffener interface temperature should be about 85-90o C for proper adhesive activation.  This is to be ensured before the toe lasting operation.

We formulate our own thermoplastic adhesives and on bulk volumes, can offer products to achieve different activation times and temperatures to suit different types of leather.

These materials are easily lastable, and offers excellent last shape reproduction.  The final result is a semi firm, fairly resilient toepuff and a firm counter stiffener, ideally suited for quality town and dress shoes, moccasins and other footwear.