An artificial textured upper and method of making the same

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of simulation texture vamp and preparation method thereof, wherein the method comprises the following steps: S1, making master mould: making vamp template with texture, vamp template is attached on horizontal metal surface, after processing, the texture on the surface of vamp template is transferred to the surface of metal, resin or ceramic mold, to obtain simulation texture master mould;S2, select vamp material, cut the preset size, put the vamp material into the simulation texture master mould, by vacuum forming or hot pressing method, the texture of simulation texture master mould is transferred to the surface of vamp material, to obtain the primary vamp with texture;S3, print or spray color on the primary vamp, cut, complete the preparation of simulation texture vamp, to obtain finished product textured vamp.The application reduces the texture of material, shortens the process, improves production efficiency, reduces labor and production cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shoe upper manufacturing technology, specifically to a simulated textured shoe upper and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] To enhance aesthetics and decoration, different textures are often applied to the shoe upper. Current one-piece molding processes for athletic shoe uppers require the pre-purchase of various raw materials, including mesh fabric, different colored leathers, TPU sheets, and reinforcing materials. These components are then cut according to the layered structure of the upper, fitted with hot-melt adhesive film, and manually arranged layer by layer in a flat, sculpted mold before being hot-pressed into shape. This existing process has several drawbacks:

[0003] 1. Poor texture reproduction: The texture of the shoe upper relies entirely on the texture of the raw material itself. After high temperature molding, the material texture is squeezed, faded and blurred, resulting in low simulation.

[0004] 2. Significant waste of material costs: Different color schemes and textures of shoe uppers require separate purchase of corresponding fabrics. Small-batch orders have minimum order quantities for fabrics, resulting in significant waste due to leftover fabrics being idle.

[0005] 3. Lengthy pre-processing: It requires the completion of processes such as fabric procurement, color sorting and cutting, component classification and control, and multi-layer material preparation, resulting in high material management and warehousing costs;

[0006] 4. High dependence on manual labor and low degree of automation: Before molding, multiple colors and types of parts are arranged manually in layers. There are many manual workstations on the production line, resulting in low production efficiency and high labor costs.

[0007] In summary, current simulated textured shoe uppers rely on molds to replicate the complete shoe upper texture and then print the same color scheme after molding. This approach cannot simultaneously solve the problems of blurred textures, material waste, excessive labor, and long manufacturing processes. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a simulated textured shoe upper and its preparation method.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] A method for preparing a simulated textured shoe upper, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0011] S1, Making the master mold: Process a textured shoe upper template, attach the shoe upper template to a horizontal metal surface, and after processing, transfer the texture of the shoe upper template to the surface of a metal, resin, or ceramic mold to obtain a simulated texture master mold.

[0012] S2, select the upper material, cut to the preset size, place the upper material into the simulated texture master mold, and transfer the texture of the simulated texture master mold to the surface of the upper material through vacuum forming or hot pressing to obtain a textured primary upper.

[0013] S3. Print or spray color on the primary shoe surface, cut it, and complete the preparation of the simulated textured shoe surface to obtain the finished textured shoe surface.

[0014] As a further improvement, the shoe upper template in step S1 is specifically prepared using the following steps:

[0015] Based on the lines and textures of the design drawings, textured cardboard is produced;

[0016] Cut out the necessary parts for the shoe upper from cardboard, and then attach and connect the parts by sewing to form a textured shoe upper template.

[0017] Simulated texture master sheets can be prepared in the following ways:

[0018] Method 1: The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method:

[0019] Flatten the shoe upper template and attach it to the horizontal metal surface, adjusting its position and size;

[0020] On the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template, a silicone soft mold is made using silicone material. The texture of the shoe upper template is copied onto the silicone soft mold. Then, a casting sand positive mold is made based on the silicone soft mold, so that the texture on the silicone soft mold is completely copied onto the casting sand positive mold.

[0021] Based on the casting sand mold, an aluminum mold is cast, and the texture on the casting sand mold is copied onto the aluminum mold.

[0022] The surface of the aluminum mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a simulated texture master mold.

[0023] Method 2: The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method:

[0024] Flatten the shoe upper template and attach it to the horizontal metal surface, adjusting its position and size;

[0025] A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold.

[0026] Conductive silver is sprayed onto the surface of the shoe upper template positive model, and electrodes are then installed.

[0027] A copper-plated mold shell is made on the positive model of the shoe upper template. An epoxy resin aluminum is poured as a protective layer for the mold shell to obtain the mold, and the flatness is corrected.

[0028] The surface of the mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a master mold with a simulated texture.

[0029] Method 3: The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method:

[0030] A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold.

[0031] The shoe upper template can be flattened and attached to a horizontal plasterboard surface. The position and size can be corrected to obtain a positive model of the shoe upper template.

[0032] Apply a release agent to the surface of the shoe upper template positive mold;

[0033] Aluminum coating is applied to the surface of the shoe upper template using thermal spraying, with multiple thin sprays applied.

[0034] Cast epoxy resin aluminum as a protective layer for the slush molding shell, remove the shoe upper template positive mold to obtain the mold, and correct the flatness of the mold.

[0035] The surface of the mold is treated with a gloss finish based on the shoe upper template to form a simulated texture master mold. Method Four: The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method:

[0036] A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold.

[0037] The shoe upper template can be flattened and attached to a horizontal plasterboard. The position and size can be adjusted to obtain a positive model of the shoe upper template.

[0038] Apply a release agent to the surface of the shoe upper template positive mold;

[0039] A high-strength epoxy resin coating is applied to the surface of the shoe upper template positive model. Multiple thin coatings are applied, and the first coating needs to be vacuumed to reduce air bubbles in the surface resin layer.

[0040] Cast epoxy resin aluminum as a protective layer for epoxy resin slush molding shell, remove the shoe upper template positive mold to obtain the mold, and correct the flatness of the mold.

[0041] The surface of the mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a master mold with a simulated texture.

[0042] Method 5: The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method:

[0043] A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold.

[0044] The shoe upper template can be flattened and attached to a horizontal plasterboard. The position and size can be adjusted to obtain a positive model of the shoe upper template.

[0045] Apply a release agent to the surface of the shoe upper template positive mold;

[0046] A low-temperature clay glaze coating made of mineral raw materials is applied to the surface of the shoe upper template positive model, using a multi-layer thin-coat method; the first coating requires vacuuming to reduce air bubbles in the surface glaze.

[0047] A sand mold material made of pressed silica sand, bentonite and cinder is used as a protective layer on the ceramic enamel shell. After the sand mold material is cured and dried, the shoe upper template positive model is removed to obtain the mold. The flatness of the mold is corrected. The mass ratio of pressed silica sand, bentonite and cinder is 90:7:3.

[0048] Ceramic molds are sintered at 800-1000℃ to form a master mold with simulated texture.

[0049] For shoe uppers, the following two methods are preferred for preparation:

[0050] Method 1: The textured primary shoe upper in step S2 is prepared using the following method:

[0051] Upper material: TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material is used. Foam and TC fabric are laminated on the back of TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material to obtain the upper base material. The thickness of TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic base material is 0.3-1.0mm, and the combined thickness of foam and TC fabric is 2-4mm. Cutting is then performed.

[0052] Vacuum forming: The simulated texture master mold is placed in the vacuum forming machine, the shoe upper base material is placed in the simulated texture master mold, a 2-3mm silicone sheet is attached to the surface of the shoe upper base material, first heated to soften, then vacuum formed, the texture on the simulated texture master mold is transferred to the shoe upper base material, the mold is opened, cold air is blown onto the silicone sheet for cooling, and the textured shoe upper base material is taken out.

[0053] Cutting: The base material for the shoe upper is cut to a preset size to complete the preparation and obtain a textured primary shoe upper.

[0054] Method 2: The textured primary shoe upper in step S2 is prepared using the following method:

[0055] Upper material: The upper template is made of TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material. Hot melt adhesive and mesh are laminated to the back of the TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material to obtain the upper substrate. The thickness of the TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material substrate is 0.3-1.0 mm, and the thickness of the hot melt adhesive is 0.15-0.3 mm. Cutting is then performed.

[0056] Hot pressing: The shoe upper substrate is placed into the simulated texture master mold, and the simulated texture master mold is placed into the hot pressing machine. The upper cover of the simulated texture master mold is made of soft foam rubber and is attached to the upper surface of the mold hole of the hot pressing machine.

[0057] Heating is performed to maintain the bottom of the simulated texture master mold at 120-150°C and the top at 180-260°C, with a pressure of 6-18KG and a time of 60-120 seconds, to complete the hot pressing.

[0058] Cold setting; the pressure inside the simulated textured master mold is maintained at 6-8KG for 30-80 seconds.

[0059] The mold is opened, the preparation is completed, and a textured primary shoe upper is obtained.

[0060] A middle frame with a silicone film is added inside the hot press machine. Vacuum is drawn on the simulated texture master mold, so that the silicone mold is tightly adsorbed on the surface of the simulated texture master mold, and the shoe upper substrate is pressed tightly.

[0061] As a further improvement, the finished textured shoe surface is perforated to form several ventilation holes.

[0062] A simulated textured shoe upper is prepared using the method described above.

[0063] The present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0064] By creating a master mold and transferring the texture, the problem of texture extrusion and deformation caused by high-temperature molding in traditional methods is avoided. At the same time, the processing flow is simplified, which has the advantages of improving the simulation accuracy of texture, reducing material waste, simplifying the process and reducing labor costs. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the shoe upper template of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the silicone female mold of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the silicone male mold of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ceramic mold of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the simulation texture mold of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the TPU shoe upper after vacuum forming according to the present invention;

[0071] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the TPU + mesh fabric hot-pressed according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. These embodiments are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0073] A method for preparing a simulated textured shoe upper includes the following steps:

[0074] S1. Master Mold Making: A textured shoe upper template is fabricated and attached to a horizontal metal surface. After processing, the texture of the shoe upper template is transferred to the surface of a metal, resin, or ceramic mold, resulting in a simulated textured master mold. Figure 1 As shown.

[0075] S2, select the upper material, cut to the preset size, place the upper material into the simulated texture master mold, and transfer the texture of the simulated texture master mold to the surface of the upper material through vacuum forming or hot pressing to obtain a textured primary upper.

[0076] S3. Print or spray color on the primary shoe surface, cut it to complete the preparation of the simulated textured shoe surface, and obtain the finished textured shoe surface.

[0077] This method aims to provide a preparation solution that can effectively solve problems such as poor texture reproduction, material waste, and lengthy processes in existing technologies.

[0078] The shoe upper template is usually prepared by hand sewing, and has a high-definition texture effect.

[0079] The shoe upper template in step S1 is prepared by the following steps: according to the lines and textures of the design drawing, a textured cardboard is made; the cardboard is cut into the various parts required for the shoe upper, and then the various parts are attached and connected by a sewing machine to form a textured shoe upper template.

[0080] There are three preferred methods for preparing a simulated texture master mold.

[0081] Implementation Method 1

[0082] like Figure 2-5 As shown, the simulated texture master mold is prepared in the following manner:

[0083] Flatten the shoe upper template and attach it to a horizontal metal surface. Use a transparent film template to correct the position and size.

[0084] On the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template, a silicone soft mold is made using silicone material. The texture of the shoe upper template is copied onto the silicone soft mold. Then, a casting sand mold is made based on the silicone soft mold, so that the texture on the silicone soft mold is completely copied onto the casting sand mold.

[0085] Silicone material, due to its excellent fluidity and elasticity, can penetrate deep into the minute irregularities of the shoe upper template, achieving high-fidelity capture of fine textures. Specifically, liquid silicone can be uniformly poured or coated onto the surface of the shoe upper template. After curing, it can be carefully peeled off to obtain a silicone soft mold with the reverse texture characteristics of the shoe upper template. The casting sand positive mold serves as an intermediate transitional mold, transferring the fine texture from the silicone soft mold to a harder, higher-temperature-resistant casting material, laying the foundation for subsequent metal casting. This process typically involves mixing specially formulated casting sand with a binder, filling it into the silicone soft mold, and then compacting and curing it.

[0086] Based on the casting sand mold, an aluminum mold is cast, and the texture of the sand mold is copied onto the aluminum mold. Through the casting process, the molten aluminum precisely replicates the texture of the sand mold during cooling and solidification, thus obtaining a metal mold with good mechanical strength and thermal conductivity. After casting, the aluminum mold undergoes necessary cleaning and preliminary finishing.

[0087] The surface of the aluminum mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a simulated texture master mold.

[0088] Through the above steps, the shoe upper template is first flattened and precisely fixed, laying a stable foundation for subsequent texture replication. Next, a soft silicone mold is prepared using a highly fluid and elastic silicone material, which can extremely precisely capture the complex texture details on the shoe upper template, effectively solving the texture distortion problem that may occur with direct transfer. Subsequently, a sand casting mold is made from the soft silicone mold, and then an aluminum mold with good mechanical properties and thermal conductivity is cast based on the sand casting mold, ensuring the durability and production applicability of the simulated texture master mold. Finally, the surface of the aluminum mold is finely treated according to the gloss of the shoe upper template, resulting in a simulated texture master mold that not only has clear and high precision textures, but also a surface gloss highly consistent with design requirements, thus enabling the stable and efficient production of simulated textured shoe uppers with excellent appearance.

[0089] Implementation Method 2

[0090] The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method:

[0091] Flatten the shoe upper template and attach it to the horizontal metal surface, adjusting its position and size;

[0092] A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold.

[0093] Conductive silver is sprayed onto the surface of the shoe upper template positive model, and electrodes are then installed.

[0094] A copper-plated mold shell is made on the positive model of the shoe upper template. An epoxy resin aluminum is poured as a protective layer for the mold shell to obtain the mold, and the flatness is corrected.

[0095] The surface of the mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a master mold with a simulated texture.

[0096] The purpose of spraying conductive silver is to form a uniform conductive layer on the surface of the master model, thereby giving it the conductivity required for electroplating. Installing electrodes ensures the effective transmission of the electroplating current, laying the foundation for the subsequent uniform deposition of the copper layer. Based on this, a copper slush mold shell is formed on the master model of the shoe upper through an electroplating process. Copper electroplating technology can replicate the microscopic texture of the master model surface with extremely high precision, forming a dense, uniform copper layer with good mechanical properties. This copper layer constitutes the core shell of the slush mold. To enhance the structural strength and stability of this slush shell, an epoxy resin aluminum protective layer is applied to its back. Epoxy resin aluminum has good adhesion and strength, providing solid support for the thin-walled copper shell, thus resulting in a complete mold.

[0097] In this embodiment, a copper electroplating method is used to prepare the simulated texture master mold. This application enables high-precision replication of complex and fine textures on the shoe upper template. The soft resin shoe upper master model serves as the electroplating substrate. Combined with the placement of conductive silver spraying and electrodes, the uniformity and stability of the electroplating process are ensured, resulting in a copper-based mold shell with extremely high surface precision and texture reproduction. The addition of an epoxy resin aluminum protective layer further enhances the overall strength and service life of the mold. This preparation method not only solves the distortion problem that may occur when replicating fine textures using traditional methods, but also produces a metal master mold with excellent wear resistance and thermal conductivity, greatly improving the efficiency and product quality of subsequent vacuum forming or hot pressing transfer. It ensures the clarity and consistency of the simulated texture shoe upper, making it particularly suitable for shoe upper products with high requirements for texture detail.

[0098] Method 3: The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method:

[0099] A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold.

[0100] The shoe upper template can be flattened and attached to a horizontal plasterboard surface. The position and size can be corrected to obtain a positive model of the shoe upper template.

[0101] Apply a release agent to the surface of the shoe upper template positive mold;

[0102] Aluminum coating is applied to the surface of the shoe upper template using thermal spraying, with multiple thin sprays applied.

[0103] Cast epoxy resin aluminum as a protective layer for the slush molding shell, remove the shoe upper template positive mold to obtain the mold, and correct the flatness of the mold.

[0104] Apply a release agent, such as silicone oil, PTFE-based release agent, or wax-based release agent, to the surface of the shoe upper. Application methods include brushing, spraying, dipping, or wiping. Ensure the release agent evenly covers the entire surface of the shoe upper template, especially in textured details, to achieve a good release effect.

[0105] The aluminum coating on the shoe upper is applied using a multi-layer, thin-coat technique. This strategy avoids cracking, deformation, or texture distortion that can occur with a single thick coat, while ensuring a uniform, dense coating that better captures subtle textures. Aluminum spraying typically employs techniques such as arc spraying, flame spraying, or plasma spraying, melting pure aluminum wire or powder at high temperatures and atomizing it with a high-speed airflow before spraying it onto the shoe upper template surface.

[0106] Remove the shoe upper to obtain the aluminum-coated mold shell. Use epoxy resin aluminum as the protective layer for the mold shell to obtain the mold. Correct the flatness of the mold.

[0107] The surface of the mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a master mold with a simulated texture.

[0108] In this embodiment, aluminum electrophoresis thermal spraying technology is used to directly prepare a simulated texture master mold from the shoe upper template. This enables high-fidelity texture replication, avoiding texture distortion or loss of detail that may occur during traditional multi-step mold making processes, and ensuring a high degree of consistency between the simulated texture master mold and the original shoe upper template texture. This method significantly simplifies the mold preparation process. Compared to traditional silicone molding, casting, or electroplating processes that require multiple conversions and long curing times, aluminum electrophoresis can quickly form the mold shell, significantly shortening the preparation cycle of the simulated texture master mold and improving production efficiency. Simultaneously, the mold shell formed by aluminum electrophoresis possesses the hardness and wear resistance of metal. Combined with the protective layer of epoxy resin aluminum, the prepared simulated texture master mold has good mechanical strength and service life, capable of withstanding multiple vacuum forming or hot pressing operations without easily being damaged or deformed. Furthermore, the mold surface is treated in conjunction with the gloss of the shoe upper template, ensuring that the final simulated texture shoe upper not only simulates the texture but also maintains consistency with the design requirements in terms of gloss, enhancing the overall visual effect and simulation of the product.

[0109] Method 4

[0110] The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method:

[0111] A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold.

[0112] The shoe upper template can be flattened and attached to a horizontal plasterboard. The position and size can be adjusted to obtain a positive model of the shoe upper template.

[0113] Apply a release agent to the surface of the shoe upper template positive mold;

[0114] A high-strength epoxy resin coating is applied to the surface of the shoe upper template positive model. Multiple thin coatings are applied, and the first coating needs to be vacuumed to reduce air bubbles in the surface resin layer.

[0115] Cast epoxy resin aluminum as a protective layer for epoxy resin slush molding shell, remove the shoe upper template positive mold to obtain the mold, and correct the flatness of the mold.

[0116] The surface of the mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a master mold with a simulated texture.

[0117] Method 5: The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method:

[0118] A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold.

[0119] The shoe upper template can be flattened and attached to a horizontal plasterboard. The position and size can be adjusted to obtain a positive model of the shoe upper template.

[0120] Apply a release agent to the surface of the shoe upper template positive mold;

[0121] A low-temperature clay glaze coating made of mineral raw materials is applied to the surface of the shoe upper template positive model, using a multi-layer thin-coat method; the first coating requires vacuuming to reduce air bubbles in the surface glaze.

[0122] A sand mold material made of pressed silica sand, bentonite and cinder is used as a protective layer on the ceramic enamel shell. After the sand mold material is cured and dried, the shoe upper template positive model is removed to obtain the mold. The flatness of the mold is corrected. The mass ratio of pressed silica sand, bentonite and cinder is 90:7:3.

[0123] Ceramic molds are sintered at 800-1000℃ to form a master mold with simulated texture.

[0124] In addition, the shoe upper can be prepared in the following two preferred ways:

[0125] like Figure 7 As shown in Embodiment 1, the textured primary shoe upper in step S2 is prepared in the following manner:

[0126] The upper material is made by laminating foam and TC fabric onto the back of TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material to obtain the shoe upper base material. The thickness of TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic base material is 0.3-1.0mm, and the combined thickness of foam and TC fabric is 2-4mm. The material is then cut.

[0127] Vacuum forming: The shoe upper substrate is placed in a simulated texture master mold. A 2-3mm silicone sheet is then attached to the surface of the shoe upper substrate. The simulated texture master mold is then placed in a vacuum forming machine, heated and softened, and then vacuum-formed. The texture on the simulated texture master mold is transferred to the shoe upper substrate. The mold is then opened, and cold air is blown onto the silicone sheet for cooling. The textured shoe upper substrate is then removed. Utilizing the protection of the silicone sheet and the rapid cooling effect from direct cold air blowing results in a more pronounced texture effect. The vacuum-formed shoe upper undergoes surface cleaning and is then printed with colors using a digital or UV curing printer.

[0128] Cutting: The base material for the shoe upper is cut to a preset size to complete the preparation and obtain a textured primary shoe upper.

[0129] The entire shoe is constructed using only two materials. The upper substrate is made of a composite of TPU foam, foam, and TC fabric. Combined with the use of a 2-3mm silicone sheet as a cushioning layer during the vacuum forming process, and a cooling process involving blowing cold air onto the silicone sheet, the quality of the simulated textured upper is significantly improved. This composite material structure not only gives the upper excellent comfort, support, and durability, but the good thermoplasticity of the TPU foam also ensures the clarity of the texture transfer.

[0130] Implementation Method Two (for a more breathable shoe upper)

[0131] like Figure 6 As shown, the textured primary shoe upper in step S2 is prepared in the following manner:

[0132] Upper Material: The upper substrate uses 0.3-1.0mm TPU material, with 0.2-0.4mm hot melt adhesive and release paper laminated to the back of the TPU material, and cut to the mold size. Vacuum Forming: The upper substrate is placed in a simulated texture master mold. A 2-3mm silicone sheet is attached to the surface of the upper substrate. The simulated texture master mold is then placed in a vacuum forming machine, first heated to soften, and then vacuum-formed. The texture on the simulated texture master mold is transferred to the upper substrate. The mold is opened, and cold air is blown onto the silicone sheet for cooling. The textured upper substrate is then removed. The protection of the silicone sheet and the rapid cooling with direct cold air result in a more pronounced texture effect. The vacuum-formed upper undergoes surface cleaning and is then printed with colors using a digital or UV curing printer.

[0133] Cutting: The base material for the shoe upper is cut to a preset size to complete the preparation and obtain a textured primary shoe upper.

[0134] Hot pressing: The shoe upper substrate is placed into a simulated texture master mold, which is then placed inside a hot press machine. The top cover of the simulated texture master mold is made of soft foam rubber and is attached to the upper surface of the mold holes in the hot press machine. The soft foam rubber has good elasticity and compressibility, enabling it to evenly transfer pressure to all parts of the shoe upper substrate during the hot pressing process. Especially for shoe uppers with complex curved surfaces or fine textures, it achieves a tighter fit, thus ensuring the clarity and integrity of the texture transfer.

[0135] Heating is performed to maintain the bottom of the simulated texture master mold at 120-150°C and the top at 180-260°C, with a pressure of 6-18KG and a time of 60-120 seconds, to complete the hot pressing.

[0136] Cold setting; the pressure inside the simulated texture mold is maintained at 6-8KG for 30-80 seconds.

[0137] The heating parameters during the hot-pressing process are optimized to maintain the bottom of the simulated texture master mold at 120-150℃. This temperature range helps soften the lower layer of the upper substrate and the hot melt adhesive, giving it good fluidity so that it can fully contact the texture of the master mold and achieve a firm bond. The upper temperature of the simulated texture master mold is maintained at 180-260℃. The higher upper temperature ensures that the surface of the upper substrate softens quickly, thereby accurately replicating the fine texture of the master mold. The hot-pressing pressure is controlled at 6-18KG to ensure a tight fit between the upper substrate and the simulated texture master mold, allowing the texture to be transferred deeply and completely. The hot-pressing time is set to 60-120 seconds to ensure that the upper substrate has sufficient time to soften, replicate the texture, and undergo preliminary curing under the set temperature and pressure. After hot pressing, a cold-setting step is performed. During this stage, the pressure inside the simulated texture master mold is maintained at 6-8KG for 30-80 seconds. Cold setting involves cooling the upper substrate while maintaining a certain pressure, thus solidifying it under the texture shape. This ensures the stability and durability of the texture, effectively prevents texture rebound or deformation, and guarantees the clarity and dimensional stability of the final primary upper texture.

[0138] The mold is opened, the preparation is completed, and a textured primary shoe upper is obtained.

[0139] In addition, a middle frame with a silicone film is added inside the hot press machine. A vacuum is then applied to the simulated texture master mold, allowing the silicone film to adhere tightly to its surface and press firmly against the shoe upper substrate. The middle frame with the silicone film provides an auxiliary pressing and sealing structure for the hot pressing process. The middle frame is typically made of a material with a certain degree of rigidity to ensure structural stability during hot pressing and vacuuming. The silicone film, utilizing the inherent high flexibility, high temperature resistance, and good sealing properties of silicone, better adapts to the surface shapes of the shoe upper substrate and the simulated texture master mold, ensuring a sealed space during subsequent vacuuming and providing uniform pressing force. The thickness and hardness of the silicone film can be optimized according to the characteristics of the shoe upper material and the fineness of the texture to achieve the best bonding effect.

[0140] The finished textured shoe surface is perforated to form several ventilation holes. These holes can be punched out with a glass cutter or laser-cut.

[0141] It should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a simulated textured shoe upper, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Making the master mold: Process a textured shoe upper template, attach the shoe upper template to a horizontal metal surface, and after processing, transfer the texture of the shoe upper template to the surface of a metal, resin, or ceramic mold to obtain a simulated textured master mold; Specific production of the shoe upper template: Based on the lines and textures of the design drawing, make a textured cardboard; cut out the various parts required for the shoe upper from the cardboard, and then attach and connect the various parts by sewing machine to form a textured shoe upper template; S2, select the upper material, cut to the preset size, place the upper material into the simulated texture master mold, and transfer the texture of the simulated texture master mold to the surface of the upper material through vacuum forming or hot pressing to obtain a textured primary upper. S3. Print or spray color on the primary shoe surface, cut it, and complete the preparation of the simulated textured shoe surface to obtain the finished textured shoe surface.

2. The method for preparing a simulated textured shoe upper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method: Flatten the shoe upper template and attach it to the horizontal metal surface, adjusting its position and size; On the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template, a silicone soft mold is made using silicone material. The texture of the shoe upper template is copied onto the silicone soft mold. Then, a casting sand positive mold is made based on the silicone soft mold, so that the texture on the silicone soft mold is completely copied onto the casting sand positive mold. Based on the casting sand mold, an aluminum mold is cast, and the texture on the casting sand mold is copied onto the aluminum mold. The surface of the aluminum mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a simulated texture master mold.

3. The method for preparing a simulated textured shoe upper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method: Flatten the shoe upper template and attach it to the horizontal metal surface, adjusting its position and size; A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold. Conductive silver is sprayed onto the surface of the shoe upper template positive model, and electrodes are then installed. A copper-plated mold shell is made on the positive model of the shoe upper template. An epoxy resin aluminum protective layer is poured on the mold shell to obtain the mold, and the flatness is corrected. The surface of the mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a master mold with a simulated texture.

4. The method for preparing a simulated textured shoe upper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method: A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold. The shoe upper template can be flattened and attached to a horizontal plasterboard surface. The position and size can be corrected to obtain a positive model of the shoe upper template. Apply a release agent to the surface of the shoe upper template positive mold; Aluminum coating is applied to the surface of the shoe upper template using thermal spraying, with multiple thin sprays applied. Cast epoxy resin aluminum as a protective layer for the slush molding shell, remove the shoe upper template positive mold to obtain the mold, and correct the flatness of the mold. The surface of the mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a master mold with a simulated texture.

5. The method for preparing a simulated textured shoe upper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method: A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold. The shoe upper template can be flattened and attached to a horizontal plasterboard. The position and size can be adjusted to obtain a positive model of the shoe upper template. Apply a release agent to the surface of the shoe upper template positive mold; A high-strength epoxy resin coating is applied to the surface of the shoe upper template positive model. Multiple thin coatings are applied, and the first coating needs to be vacuumed to reduce air bubbles in the surface resin layer. Cast epoxy resin aluminum as a protective layer for epoxy resin slush molding shell, remove the shoe upper template positive mold to obtain the mold, and correct the flatness of the mold. The surface of the mold is treated with a glossy finish based on the shoe upper template to form a master mold with a simulated texture.

6. The method for preparing a simulated textured shoe upper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The simulated texture master mold is prepared using the following method: A silicone soft negative mold is made using silicone material on the metal surface that is attached to the shoe upper template. A soft resin shoe upper template positive mold is then made based on the silicone soft negative mold. The shoe upper template can be flattened and attached to a horizontal plasterboard. The position and size can be adjusted to obtain a positive model of the shoe upper template. Apply a release agent to the surface of the shoe upper template positive mold; A low-temperature clay glaze coating made of mineral raw materials is applied to the surface of the shoe upper template positive model, using a multi-layer thin-coat method; the first coating requires vacuuming to reduce air bubbles in the surface glaze. A sand mold material made of pressed silica sand, bentonite and cinder is used as a protective layer on the ceramic enamel shell. After the sand mold material is cured and dried, the shoe upper template positive model is removed to obtain the mold. The flatness of the mold is corrected. The mass ratio of pressed silica sand, bentonite and cinder is 90:7:

3. Ceramic molds are sintered at 800-1000℃ to form a master mold with simulated texture.

7. The method for preparing a simulated textured shoe upper according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The textured primary shoe upper in step S2 is prepared using the following method: Upper material: TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material is used. Foam and TC fabric are laminated on the back of TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material to obtain the upper base material. The thickness of TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic base material is 0.3-1.0mm, and the combined thickness of foam and TC fabric is 2-4mm. Cutting is then performed. Vacuum forming: The simulated texture master mold is placed in the vacuum forming machine, the shoe upper base material is placed in the simulated texture master mold, a 2-3mm silicone sheet is attached to the surface of the shoe upper base material, first heated to soften, then vacuum formed, the texture on the simulated texture master mold is transferred to the shoe upper base material, the mold is opened, cold air is blown onto the silicone sheet for cooling, and the textured shoe upper base material is taken out. After the vacuum-formed shoe upper is cleaned, it is printed with colors using a digital or UV curing printer. Cutting: The base material for the shoe upper is cut to a preset size to complete the preparation and obtain a textured primary shoe upper.

8. The method for preparing a simulated textured shoe upper according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The textured primary shoe upper in step S2 is prepared using the following method: Upper material: The upper template is made of TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material. Hot melt adhesive and mesh are laminated to the back of the TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material to obtain the upper substrate. The thickness of the TPU film or TPU foam thermoplastic material substrate is 0.3-1.0 mm, and the thickness of the hot melt adhesive is 0.15-0.3 mm. Cutting is then performed. Hot pressing: The shoe upper substrate is placed into the simulated texture master mold, and the simulated texture master mold is placed into the hot pressing machine. The upper cover of the simulated texture master mold is made of soft foam rubber and is attached to the upper surface of the mold hole of the hot pressing machine. Heating is performed to maintain the bottom of the simulated texture master mold at 120-150°C and the top at 180-260°C, with a pressure of 6-18KG and a time of 60-120 seconds, to complete the hot pressing. Cold setting; the pressure inside the simulated textured master mold is maintained at 6-8KG for 30-80 seconds; The mold is opened, the preparation is completed, and a textured primary shoe upper is obtained.

9. The method for preparing the simulated textured shoe upper according to claim 8, characterized in that, A middle frame with a silicone film is added inside the hot press machine. The simulated texture master mold is vacuumed, so that the silicone mold is tightly adsorbed onto the surface of the simulated texture master mold, pressing the shoe upper substrate. The finished textured shoe upper is punched with holes to form several breathable holes.

10. A simulated textured shoe upper, characterized in that, It is prepared by any one of claims 1-9.

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