Are your soles cost-efficient?
The EU-funded MICROSHOE project focused on the development of microwave sensors for the monitoring of moulding processes in the manufacture of polyurethane products such as soles and heels. The aim was to reduce waste of materials and reduce costs thus making European footwear manufacturers more cost-efficient and competitive. During the production process, polyurethane physical and chemical profiles must be kept constant in order to ensure highest quality sole products and avoid hydrolysis problems. It is therefore important to closely monitor the moulding and polymerisation process. This was achieved with the use of MW-sensors type 2 for the dynamic monitoring of dielectric changes inside the mould. The sensors allow greater insight into the optimal process conditions leading to reductions in waste and preventing hydrolysis-related problems. The overall objective of the project is the monitoring and control of the entire manufacturing process of polyurethane products including soles and heels. This will allow raw materials to be checked prior to moulding and it will offer greater knowledge of the polymerisation process at a technical level. The new technology offerings could be of great interest to shoe manufacturers throughout Europe and they are likely to aid European shoe industries efforts to remain competitive on an international scale.
