Overview
ISO 21180:2013 specifies a standardized test method for determining the maximum tensile strength of light conveyor belts. It defines the principle, required apparatus, specimen preparation and selection, testing procedure, calculation of results and required test report contents. The standard is intended for light conveyor belts (per ISO 21183-1) or other belts where ISO 283 is not applicable.
Keywords: ISO 21180, light conveyor belts, maximum tensile strength, tensile testing, conveyor belt testing.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Principle: Measure tensile force as a function of belt elongation on a full-thickness, longitudinal test piece and determine the maximum tensile strength from the force–elongation graph.
- Apparatus: Tensile testing machine (dynamometer) with force-measuring system verified to ISO 7500-1, class 3 or better (class 2 recommended).
- Test pieces:
- Cut from full belt thickness in the longitudinal direction.
- Shape/dimensions per the standard figure; narrowest width typically 25 mm.
- Quantity: five specimens selected across the belt width according to the standard distribution.
- Do not test sooner than five days after manufacture.
- Conditioning: Per ISO 18573 (Atmosphere B) for 24 h; 48 h for high-moisture-absorbent materials (e.g., cotton, polyamide).
- Preparation: Mark two datum points on the longitudinal axis, (100 ± 0.5) mm apart.
- Procedure:
- Free length between jaws: 220 mm ± 5 mm.
- Apply continuous tensile rate of (100 ± 10) mm/min.
- Record force vs. elongation; continue to maximum force or to break.
- Avoid slippage (rosin and emery cloth recommended); discard tests with slippage or breaks outside central zone and repeat.
- Calculations:
- Read maximum force Fmax from the curve.
- Maximum tensile strength k = Fmax / 25 mm (N/mm) (using the smallest specimen width).
- Elongation at Fmax can be calculated from measured Δl or from jaw displacement (with caveats about accuracy).
- Test report must include belt designation, ISO reference, test environment, conditioning, results, and test date.
Applications and Users
ISO 21180 is used by:
- Conveyor belt manufacturers (design verification, quality control)
- Third‑party test laboratories and certification bodies
- Procurement/specification engineers evaluating belt performance for material handling systems
- R&D teams comparing constructions or materials
Practical uses include specification compliance, supplier acceptance testing, failure analysis and performance benchmarking.
Related Standards
This SEO-friendly summary helps engineers and quality managers quickly understand ISO 21180’s scope, test requirements, and practical relevance for conveyor belt tensile testing.
