Overview
EN ISO 21182:2025 - Light conveyor belts - Determination of the coefficient of friction (ISO 21182:2025) specifies standardized test methods to determine the dynamic and static coefficients of friction for light conveyor belts in line with ISO 21183-1. Intended as a harmonized European adoption of the ISO draft, this standard provides repeatable laboratory procedures for comparing belt covers and supporting procurement, quality control and design decisions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Test methods for dynamic (μD) and static (μS) coefficients of friction for light conveyor belts; intended ranges μD ≤ 1.0 and μS ≤ 1.5.
- Principle: A metallic test panel is pulled over a full‑thickness belt test piece under a defined normal force; friction forces are recorded and converted into μ values.
- Test pieces:
- Cut from new, unused (“virgin”) belt; allowed after ≥5 days from manufacture.
- Three pieces in longitudinal and/or transverse directions; dimensions 600 mm × 100 mm.
- Conditioned according to ISO 18573 (Atmosphere B) for at least 24 h before testing.
- Apparatus:
- Metallic test panel: steel CR1 (ISO 3574), thickness 0.8 mm, width (76 ± 0.5) mm, length 152 mm; testing area ≈100 cm²; surface Ra 0.9–1.3 µm (ISO 4287); hardness HRB 60–70.
- Normal load: mass producing 50 N ± 1 N (specified block dimensions and steel density).
- Force measurement: load cell (range up to 100 N) with recording instrument; force system to meet ISO 7500-1 (machine class 3 or better).
- Pulling mechanism (e.g., tensile testing machine), deflection roller (40–50 mm), low‑elasticity pulling cable (≈1 mm steel).
- Operational notes:
- Replace metallic panel after max 50 applications or after one day of use.
- Handle panel in original pack until first use; wear clean cotton gloves and touch panel only at edges.
- Test room conditions are specified (clause 7.1); test report must document conditions and any deviation (including alternate frictional partners).
Applications and users
- Who uses it: conveyor belt manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, procurement/specification engineers, conveyor system designers, safety and compliance teams.
- Practical uses:
- Comparative testing of belt covers for selection and procurement.
- Quality control and acceptance testing.
- Design input for material handling systems where belt‑to‑product or belt‑to‑support friction matters.
- Baseline data for wear, slippage and drive calculations (in conjunction with application‑specific testing).
Related standards
- ISO 21183-1 (Light conveyor belts - Principal characteristics and applications)
- ISO 3574 (Cold‑reduced carbon steel sheet)
- ISO 4287 (Surface texture - profile method)
- ISO 7500-1 (Calibration of force‑measuring systems)
- ISO 18573 (Conveyor belts - Test atmospheres and conditioning)
Keywords: EN ISO 21182:2025, light conveyor belts, coefficient of friction, dynamic coefficient, static coefficient, metallic test panel, conveyor belts testing, friction testing apparatus.
