Overview
EN ISO 10717:2010 - Footwear: Test method for slide fasteners - Burst strength (ISO 10717:2010) specifies a laboratory procedure to assess the burst strength of closed slide fasteners (zippers) used in footwear. The method is applicable to all types of slide fastener and provides repeatable means to measure the force at which a fastener fails when a localized distension is forced through the closed chain.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Test method for burst strength of closed slide fasteners for footwear - applicable to all slide fastener types.
- Principle: Clamp a portion of the closed fastener leaving a circular free area, then force a spherical-ended plunger through the centre until failure; record the peak force.
- Specimen conditioning: Condition samples at 23 °C and 50% RH for 24 hours prior to testing and perform tests under the same environment.
- Test fixture:
- Circular free area diameter: (25 ± 1) mm.
- Central plunger ball diameter: (6.25 ± 0.05) mm.
- Plunger movement speed: (0.20 ± 0.05) mm/s.
- Force measurement range and accuracy: 0–800 N with 10 N accuracy (or equivalent per ISO 17693).
- Sampling & repetitions: Three test positions required - either three fasteners tested at centre or one fastener tested near each end and the centre; maintain minimum spacing of 15 cm between test points if multiple tests on same length.
- Results & reporting:
- Record maximum force (nearest 10 N) at failure and type of failure (e.g., teeth separated, teeth pulled off stringer, teeth broken).
- Calculate and report the arithmetic mean of three maximum forces.
- Test report must reference ISO 10717:2010, describe samples, date of test, mean force, failure types and counts, and any deviations from the method.
Applications and users
- Who uses it: Footwear manufacturers, component (zipper) suppliers, independent test laboratories, quality assurance teams, product designers and compliance officers.
- Practical uses:
- Quality control and incoming inspection of slide fasteners.
- Supplier validation and acceptance testing.
- Comparative evaluation during product development (material and design choices).
- Supporting durability and safety claims in product specifications or procurement.
- Evidence for conformity with customer or regulatory requirements.
Related standards
- ISO 17693 - Footwear test methods for uppers - resistance to damage on lasting (referenced for force-measuring devices).
- ISO 19952 - Footwear vocabulary (terms and definitions).
- Additional referenced documents: ISO 17709, ISO 18454 for sampling and conditioning guidance.
Keywords: EN ISO 10717:2010, burst strength, slide fastener testing, footwear zip test, zipper burst strength, slide fastener test method, footwear testing.