- Locates, forms and bonds Tru-Fit® Shank in one fast operation

- Perfect shank fit every time

- Eliminates shank clicks and squeaks

- Eliminates costly inventory problems and shank obsolescence

- Used on all constructions

- Fittings available to produce pre-cured shanks

The American Shank Fitting Machine provides a complete shank system that can reduce shoemaking problems and cut costs. It takes advantage of the extremely high strength-to-weight ratio and unique molding characteristics of the fiberglass and resin Tru-Fit® Shank Material.

Gone are the too familiar problems of shoes with the wrong size or shape of shank, shanks improperly located in shoes, or shanks not securely attached to insoles. Instead, each shank is cut to the right size, automatically located as specified, and formed and bonded in place on the lasted shoe bottom.

The ASF Machine cuts the correct size shank for each shoe from a reel of Tru-Fit® shank material. When a different size is needed, it takes less than 5 seconds to adjust the machine to the wanted size.

With the proper size set, the operator merely puts the shank in position against the vacuum cup stops of the shank gage, loads a shoe on the jack and steps on the treadle. In a quick 7-second cycle, the machine then moves the shank gage holding the cut shank—limp as wet
upper leather prior to activation—in position above the shoe, raises the jack and shoe to press the shank into position on the shoe bottom by a series of spring-loaded holddown fingers as well as the ball and heel pads, returns the shank gage to the loading position, increases the lamp current to activating temperature, and releases the shoe with the now activated shank into the shoe basket—all automatically. During this rapid cycle, the thermosetting resins coating the glass fibers have been activated by the intense heat of the closely-focused infrared lamp so that the shank will be permanently set in the shape of the shoe bottom on which it was formed. At the same time, the adhesive component of the shank sleeve has also been activated to securely fasten the shank to the insole. The need for a separate hot melt adhesive or other fastener is eliminated by this built-in bond that reaches maximum strength in 15 minutes.

Curing rapidly as it cools, the once limp Tru-Fit® Shank Material becomes hard and stronger than an equal weight of steel. Cycled under pressure by an independent testing laboratory for the equivalent of more than 225 miles of walking no failure was noted. The Tru-Fit® Shank Material has also demonstrated superior performance in extensive wear tests conducted by more than a score of footwear manufacturers. Broad experience has also shown that consumer-annoying clicks and squeaks are virtually eliminated by the firm shank to insole bond as well as the unique nature of the Tru-Fit® Shank Material.

In addition to providing major assistance in overcoming shoemaking problems, the Tru-Fit® shank system also produces substantial financial benefits. It eliminates the need to carry costly shank inventories, the losses caused by shanks which become obsolete because of style changes and the costly delays of waiting for new shank bends when new styles are added.

Also, because of the extremely high strength-to-weight characteristic of the fiberglass-resin combination—proved in many aircraft and aerospace applications—manufacturers of steel shanked footwear reduce the weight in shoes by using Tru-Fit® Shank Material.

The many administrative, financial and shoemaking advantages of the Tru-Fit® shank system deliver significant savings in the cost of shanks-in-place.

Fittings
Orders should specify shoe type (men’s women’s, children’s, etc.) and construction (flat lasted, welt, etc.) factory voltage, type of Tru-Fit® material, and lengths (range in inches or mm) of shank required.

Specifications

Production Range
up to 1800 pairs per 8 hour day, estimated, depending on the type and style of shoe and work handling method.

Dimensions
Width: 48" (1220mm)
Depth: 58" (1470mm)
Height: 60" (1520mm)
Packed: 140 cu. ft. (4m 3 )

Weight
Net: 825 lbs. (375kg)
Gross: 900 lbs. (408kg)
Export Packed: 1100 lbs. (500kg)

Utilities Electric
Power: 208, 220 or 240 volts, 3 phase, 60Hz, ac and 115 volt, 1 phase, 60Hz, ac or 380 volts, 3 phase (WYE), 50Hz, ac or 220 volts, 1 phase, 50Hz, ac

Heat: 1,500 watts per activating station
360 watts for preheat oven—optional on Model A
Motors: 0.53 hp, 0.5kW

Air
1 cfm at 70 psi (28.3 liters per minute at 5 atm.)

Exhaust
Connect to factory system to exhaust activation fumes Recommended: 26 cubic feet per minute per lamp 34 cubic feet per minute per basket

Lubrication
General:
American spec. 100 CKR
Holddown fingers, grading linkage and jack shaft:
Dow Corning WD-40 or equivalent silicone spray