Overview
ISO 10751:2016 - Footwear - Test methods for slide fasteners - Resistance to repeated opening and closing defines a standardized laboratory method to measure the durability of slide fasteners (zippers) used in footwear. The procedure is applicable to all types of slide fastener with a teeth length greater than 80 mm and is intended to determine resistance to repeated opening and closing under controlled tension, stroke and cycle-rate conditions. Key outcomes are the number of cycles to failure and the characterization of damage (e.g., jamming, tooth breakage, tape tearing).
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Test applies to slide fasteners (zippers) in footwear components with teeth longer than 80 mm.
- Specimen conditioning: Test specimens must be conditioned in accordance with ISO 18454 (standard atmospheres) prior to testing (typical conditioning period cited in the draft: 24 h).
- Test machine & clamping: A multi‑station test machine secures closed and open ends, applies longitudinal and lateral forces, and holds the slider for reciprocating motion.
- Forces and dimensions: The method specifies precise clamping positions, a longitudinal force and lateral forces (document values: longitudinal ~22 N, lateral ~18 N), a stroke of (63.5 ± 1.5) mm and a cycle rate of (60 ± 6) cycles/min.
- Specimen preparation: Minimum recommended specimen count is three; instructions cover tab attachments, marking, stitch placement and clamping alignment.
- End conditions & reporting: Test stops at failure or a specified cycle count. Damage types to record include slider detachment, puller breakage, tooth wear/breakage, stitch abrasion and tape tearing. The test report must reference the standard, describe specimens, list cycle counts and damage types, and note any deviations.
Practical applications
- Quality control and incoming inspection for footwear manufacturers and component suppliers to verify zipper durability.
- Product development and material selection during design validation to compare zipper types, sliders and tapes.
- Supplier qualification and batch acceptance testing in manufacturing lines.
- Compliance testing for claims of zipper durability in consumer footwear and outdoor products.
Who should use this standard
- Footwear designers, R&D engineers and product developers
- Quality assurance and test laboratory personnel
- Component and zipper suppliers
- Certification bodies and procurement teams specifying durability requirements
Related standards
- ISO 18454 - Footwear: standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
- ISO 19952 - Footwear vocabulary (terms and definitions)
- ISO 17709 - Sampling and conditioning of samples (referenced in bibliography)
Keywords: ISO 10751:2016, slide fastener testing, zipper durability, footwear testing, resistance to repeated opening and closing, footwear components, slide fastener test method.