Guide to Using Contact Adhesives 

Contact adhesives are indispensable in various industries, particularly in shoe repair, shoe making, and orthotic device manufacturing. These adhesives offer strong, flexible bonds that are essential for maintaining the durability and functionality of footwear and orthotic products. This guide will walk you through the proper use of contact adhesives in these applications, ensuring you achieve professional-quality results every time.

Understanding Contact Adhesives

Contact adhesives, also known as contact cement, are a type of adhesive that bonds materials together when the adhesive on both surfaces is allowed to dry to the touch before being pressed together. The bond forms instantly upon contact, which is a key advantage in many manufacturing and repair processes. These adhesives are typically solvent-based, though water-based versions are also available, offering a balance between ease of use and environmental considerations.

Why Use Contact Adhesives?

Contact adhesives are particularly valued for their ability to form strong, resilient bonds that can withstand the stresses of daily wear and tear. They are also highly versatile, capable of bonding a wide range of materials including leather, rubber, fabric, foam, and various types of plastics. This versatility makes them ideal for use in shoe repair, shoe making, and the manufacture of orthotic devices.

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Using Contact Adhesives in Shoe Repair

Shoe repair is one of the most common applications of contact adhesives. Whether you’re reattaching a sole, fixing a split seam, or securing an insole, contact adhesives provide the durability and flexibility needed for long-lasting repairs.

Step 1: Prepare the Surfaces

Preparation is crucial for a strong bond. Start by cleaning both surfaces to remove any dirt, grease, or old adhesive. Use a cloth dampened with alcohol or a similar cleaning agent to ensure the surfaces are clean and dry. If the surface is particularly smooth, lightly roughen it with sandpaper to provide better adhesion.

Step 2: Apply the Adhesive

Once the surfaces are prepared, apply a thin, even layer of contact adhesive to both surfaces. Be careful not to apply too much, as excess adhesive can squeeze out when the surfaces are joined, creating a messy finish. Allow the adhesive to dry until it is tacky to the touch. This typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes, but drying times can vary depending on the adhesive and environmental conditions.

Step 3: Bond the Surfaces

After the adhesive has dried to a tacky state, carefully align the surfaces and press them together. The bond forms instantly, so it’s important to get the alignment right on the first try. Apply even pressure across the entire surface to ensure a strong bond. In some cases, using a roller or clamp can help to secure the bond more effectively.

Step 4: Cure and Finish

Allow the bonded surfaces to cure fully before subjecting them to stress. Most contact adhesives reach full strength within 24 hours. Once cured, any excess adhesive can be trimmed away or cleaned up using a suitable solvent.

Using Contact Adhesives in Shoe Making

In shoe making, contact adhesives are used extensively for assembling the various components of a shoe, from attaching soles to securing insoles and linings. The quick bonding action and strong hold of contact adhesives make them ideal for this purpose.

Step 1: Cutting and Preparing Materials

Before applying adhesive, all shoe components must be cut and prepared. This includes the upper, insole, midsole, and outsole. Like in shoe repair, it’s essential to ensure that all surfaces are clean and dry. Roughen any surfaces that are particularly smooth to enhance adhesion.

Step 2: Applying Adhesive to the Upper and Sole

Apply a thin, even layer of adhesive to the surfaces of both the upper and the sole where they will be joined. It’s crucial to ensure full coverage, especially around the edges, to prevent any gaps that could lead to delamination. Allow the adhesive to dry until it is tacky, as in the shoe repair process.

Step 3: Assembling the Shoe

Carefully align the upper with the sole and press them together. Because the adhesive bonds on contact, precision is key. Press the components firmly together, paying extra attention to the edges where the bond is most critical. Use a roller to apply even pressure across the surface, ensuring a secure bond.

Step 4: Finishing the Shoe

After bonding, the shoe should be allowed to cure fully. Once the adhesive has cured, any excess can be trimmed or cleaned. The shoe may then undergo additional finishing processes, such as stitching or edge dressing, depending on the design.

Using Contact Adhesives in Orthotic Device Manufacturing

Orthotic devices, such as custom insoles or braces, require precise and durable bonding of various materials. Contact adhesives are often used to bond layers of foam, fabric, and plastic to create a device that is both comfortable and supportive.

Step 1: Material Preparation

In orthotic device manufacturing, the first step is to prepare the materials. This often involves cutting foam, fabric, and plastic to the desired shapes and sizes. As with shoe making and repair, it’s essential to clean the surfaces thoroughly and roughen any smooth surfaces to enhance adhesion.

Step 2: Layering with Adhesive

Apply a thin layer of contact adhesive to each surface that will be bonded. When working with multiple layers, such as in a custom insole, it’s important to ensure that each layer is fully covered with adhesive. Allow the adhesive to dry to a tacky state.

Step 3: Bonding the Layers

Once the adhesive is tacky, carefully align the layers and press them together. Use even pressure across the surface to ensure a strong bond. In orthotic manufacturing, it’s particularly important to avoid air bubbles between layers, as these can compromise the effectiveness of the device.

Step 4: Curing and Shaping

Allow the bonded layers to cure fully. Once cured, the orthotic device can be trimmed and shaped to the final specifications. The strong bond provided by the contact adhesive ensures that the device will maintain its integrity under the stresses of daily use.

Tips for Success with Contact Adhesives

• Temperature and Humidity: Always check the temperature and humidity levels when working with contact adhesives. High humidity or low temperatures can slow down the drying time and affect the strength of the bond.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation when using contact adhesives, especially solvent-based ones, as fumes can be harmful if inhaled.
• Practice Precision: Because contact adhesives bond instantly on contact, there is little room for error. Practice aligning and pressing surfaces together to ensure you achieve the desired results.
• Contact adhesives are an essential tool in shoe repair, shoe making, and orthotic device manufacturing. Their ability to form strong, flexible bonds quickly makes them ideal for these applications. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can achieve professional-quality results with confidence. Whether you are repairing a beloved pair of shoes, crafting new footwear, or assembling a custom orthotic device, contact adhesives will help you create durable, reliable products that stand the test of time.