EN Sole Bending Tester | Bennewart Flex Tester

The EN Sole Bending Tester is used to evaluate the flexing performance and durability of shoe soles. Widely utilized by manufacturers, testing agencies, and R&D departments for footwear such as athletic shoes, leather shoes, and safety footwear, it provides a reliable guarantee for the quality and safety of footwear products.

Applications

(1)Bending resistance testing of rubber, EVA, PU, and thermoplastic soles.

(2)Assessment of zigzag resistance and flex cracking in work boots, safety shoes, athletic shoes, and casual footwear.

(3)Quality control in footwear manufacturing for durability verification.

(4)Research and development of sole materials and composite layers for enhanced lifespan.

(5)Laboratory evaluation for compliance with international footwear testing standards.

(6)Multiple sole testing for batch consistency and production optimization.

Standards

SATRA TM161 Bennewart bending test—resistance to notch growth during bending

EN ISO 20344 Personal protective equipment - Test methods for footwear

EN ISO 17707 Footwear.Test methods for outsoles.Flexural resistance

EN 344 Structure, performance requirements, and test methods for safety shoes

DIN 53543 Testing of Semi-Rigid Polyurethane (PUR) Integral Cellular Materials; Materials for Soles and Parts of Shoes

GB/T 20991 Foot protection—Test methods for footwear

GB 21148‌‌ Foot protection — Safety footwear

Product Features

(1)Flexing mechanism performs repeated 90° bending of the sole specimen.

(2)Clamping system secures the sole during testing to ensure consistent flexing.

(3)Supports 3 simultaneous testing stations to increase throughput.

(4)Adjustable flexing speed from 0 to 135 cycles per minute.

(5)One-key self-positioning function for automated sample installation.

(6)Counter records the total number of flexing cycles.

(7)Zigzag shaft diameter: Φ30mm for precise bending simulation.

(8)Inductive protective cover ensures operator safety.

(9)Robust construction for continuous laboratory or production line operation.

Technical Parameters

Accessories

(1)Clamping fixtures for single and multiple sole stations

(2)Zigzag shafts for bending mechanism

(3)Protective covers with inductive safety interlocks

Test Procedures

(1)Prepare and install the sole specimen in the designated clamping fixture.

(2)Engage the one-key self-positioning function for automated alignment.

(3)Set the desired flexing speed (0–135cpm) and number of cycles.

(4)Activate the flexing mechanism to perform repeated 90° bending.

(5)Monitor the cycle counter to track total flexing cycles.

(6)Observe the sole for signs of cracking or zigzag failure.

(7)Record results for durability and compliance evaluation.

Maintenance Informations

(1)Regularly clean the clamping fixtures and zigzag shafts to remove debris.

(2)Inspect the protective cover and interlock mechanism before each use.

(3)Lubricate moving parts periodically to ensure smooth operation.

(4)Check electrical connections and power supply for stability.

(5)Store the tester in a dry environment to prevent corrosion and mechanical wear.