Conveyor Belt Coefficient of Friction

ISO 21182

Introduction: Coefficient of Friction Matters

The conveyor belt coefficient of friction quantifies the resistance between the bottom surface of the belt and the supporting surface (slider bed or rollers). This value influences belt tracking, drive power requirements, and product transport stability.

There are two key types of friction to consider:

  • Static friction: The resistance to the start of motion
  • Kinetic (dynamic) friction: The resistance during continuous movement

Both factors are critical for conveyor design, especially when transporting lightweight, delicate, or unstable goods.

Standardized Testing with ISO 21182

ISO 21182 Light conveyor belts — Determination of the coefficient of friction

  • The test evaluates the dynamic coefficient of frictionbetween the belt’s bottom surface and a standardized steel or polymer plate.
  • A test sled is pulled across the belt surface under a specified normal load.
  • The drag force is measured and used to calculate the coefficient of friction.
  • Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity must be controlled for consistency.
ISO 21182

What Is the Conveyor Belt Coefficient of Friction?

The coefficient of friction is divided into two types:

  • Static COF (μs): This measures the force needed to initiate movement between two materials. For plastic film, it’s crucial in determining whether stacked bags or rolls will shift during storage or transportation.
  • Kinetic COF (μk): This evaluates the force required to sustain movement once sliding begins. It’s particularly relevant for plastic film processed through high-speed packaging machinery where continuous movement over rollers or sealing jaws occurs.

Both values are important for design engineers and packaging specialists when optimizing material performance.

COF-01 Coefficient of Friction Tester by Cell Instruments

High-quality coefficient of friction test equipment is vital to obtaining reliable results. At Cell Instruments, our friction testers are engineered for precision and repeatability, aligning fully with ISO 21182 standards.

Features of Our Equipment Include:

  • Adjustable test speeds to match dynamic friction conditions
  • High-sensitivity load cells for accurate force measurement
  • Temperature and humidity control options for environment simulation
  • User-friendly software interface for real-time data visualization and analysis

Our systems are widely adopted in R&D labs, quality control departments, and testing facilities across packaging, medical devices, and other industries.

coefficient of friction testing equipment 03
COF-01 Coefficient of Friction Tester
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