ISO 21182

Coefficient Of Friction Test Method

ISO 21182 is the international standard specifically designed to determine the coefficient of friction for light conveyor belts. It provides standardized test procedures for both dynamic and static coefficients of friction, which are critical in ensuring the safe, consistent, and efficient operation of conveyor systems. This standard plays a vital role in industries where light conveyor belts are employed, including packaging, food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

Friction levels affect everything from belt tracking and energy efficiency to wear and slippage control, making it imperative for manufacturers and quality control teams to rely on accurate and repeatable testing methods.

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Understanding ISO 21182 and Its Importance

Maintaining friction within specified limits ensures conveyor belts:

  • Deliver smooth material transport
  • Avoid jamming or excessive belt wear
  • Support automated processes with predictable performance

Moreover, for regulatory compliance, supplier evaluation, and quality assurance, friction testing under ISO 21182 offers measurable, repeatable results that align with global benchmarks.

ISO 21182 Coefficient of Friction Testing for Conveyor Belts

Understanding the frictional behavior of conveyor belts is essential for safe and efficient material handling. The ISO 21182 standard specifically addresses how to determine the dynamic and static coefficient of friction for light conveyor belts, providing a universal basis for product evaluation and comparison. This article explores the scope, methodology, and instrumentation requirements outlined in ISO 21182 and explains how Cell Instruments’ solutions can support precise compliance testing.

Coefficient of Friction of Conveyor Belts and the Role of the Slide Angle Tester

The coefficient of friction of conveyor belts plays a critical role in how the belts interact with supporting structures and the materials being conveyed. Slippage or excessive resistance can impact product stability, operational safety, and equipment wear.

To address this, ISO 21182 introduces precise definitions and testing procedures. One of the primary tools used in such measurements is the slide angle tester—a specialized device designed to evaluate friction properties under controlled conditions.

In practical terms, a slide angle tester simulates the operational environment by applying a normal force and measuring the resistance encountered during sliding motion. This allows for accurate assessment of both:

  • Static coefficient of friction (μS): the force needed to initiate movement.
  • Dynamic coefficient of friction (μD): the resistance experienced once movement begins.

These parameters are indispensable in the design and quality control of conveyor belts in logistics, packaging, and industrial automation.

Overview of ISO 21182: Scope and Significance

ISO 21182: Light conveyor belts — Determination of the coefficient of friction outlines a consistent method for measuring how light conveyor belts behave under sliding conditions. It applies to belts covered by ISO 21183-1, focusing on real-world interactions between belt surfaces and metal substrates.

Key features of ISO 21182 include:

  • Defined test apparatus specifications (test panels, pulling mechanisms, load cells)
  • Standard sample dimensions (600 × 100 mm)
  • Environmental conditioning based on ISO 18573
  • Speed and force parameters to ensure repeatability and comparability

This standard is widely recognized in industries such as packaging, food processing, pharmaceutical transport, and logistics, where belt performance directly affects safety and productivity.

Detailed Test Procedure Based on ISO 21182

The ISO 21182 friction testing procedure involves the following key steps:

  1. Sample Preparation
    • Use new, unused conveyor belt samples
    • Condition in ISO 18573 Atmosphere B for 24 hours
  2. Setup of the Test Apparatus
    • A metallic test panel (typically CR1 cold-reduced carbon steel) is used
    • A calibrated normal force of 50 N is applied to simulate loading
  3. Static Friction Measurement (μS)
    • Pulling speed: 100 ± 20 mm/min
    • The first resistance peak defines μS = FS / FN
  4. Dynamic Friction Measurement (μD)
    • Pulling speed: 1,000 ± 20 mm/min
    • Measure resistance over the last 200 mm of the path
    • μD = FD / FN
  5. Equipment Requirements
    • Load cell in compliance with ISO 7500-1
    • Uniform pulling mechanism (e.g., tensile testing machine)
    • Metallic panel surface roughness: Ra 0.9–1.3 μm

Why ISO 21182 Compliance Matters

Maintaining friction within specified limits ensures conveyor belts:

  • Deliver smooth material transport
  • Avoid jamming or excessive belt wear
  • Support automated processes with predictable performance

Moreover, for regulatory compliance, supplier evaluation, and quality assurance, friction testing under ISO 21182 offers measurable, repeatable results that align with global benchmarks.

Choosing the Right Coefficient Of Friction Tester

To support high-precision testing per ISO 21182, Cell Instruments offers the COF-01 Coefficient of Friction Tester. This instrument is engineered to:

  • Measure both static and dynamic coefficients of friction
  • Work seamlessly with test pieces specified in ISO 21182
  • Deliver automated data recording and graphical analysis
  • Ensure accurate load control via an integrated load cell and tensile drive system

The COF-01 is ideal for QA laboratories, belt manufacturers, and third-party certification agencies aiming to meet or exceed ISO standards.

By choosing Cell Instruments, users benefit from robust build quality, compliance with ISO and ASTM methods, and expert technical support tailored to conveyor belt testing, film packaging, coated papers, and textiles.

ISO 21182-slide angle tester

Contact Us Get ISO 21182 Testing Solution

ISO 21182 provides a well-defined method to assess the coefficient of friction of conveyor belts, ensuring safety, reliability, and product consistency. By using equipment like a slide angle tester and adhering to the standard’s rigorous procedures, manufacturers and quality control professionals can maintain high performance standards across a wide range of industrial applications.

For those looking to streamline and enhance their friction testing processes, Cell Instruments‘ COF-01 is a powerful, standards-compliant tool that delivers accuracy, efficiency, and long-term reliability.

FAQs

It measures the static and dynamic coefficient of friction of light conveyor belts under controlled laboratory conditions.

It impacts the belt’s ability to transport materials safely without slipping or causing excess wear.

Slide angle testers or coefficient of friction testers equipped with metallic test panels, load cells, and pulling mechanisms.

The COF-01 tester supports ISO 21182 compliance by delivering accurate, repeatable measurements of friction coefficients.

Packaging, logistics, pharmaceutical, food, and general manufacturing sectors where conveyor belt performance is critical.

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