Overview
ISO 15147:2012 specifies measurement methods and dimensional tolerances for cut light conveyor belts (as described in ISO 21183-1). The standard defines how to determine widths and lengths of light conveyor belts, provides tolerance limits based on belt size and material moisture behaviour, and gives practical measurement procedures to ensure repeatable quality control for manufacturers, suppliers and users.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Methods for measurement of cut widths and lengths of light conveyor belts and the tolerances that apply.
- Widths: Measured with the belt unrolled on a flat, hard surface and free from tension. Measure at three equidistant locations, at right angles to the cut edges, to the nearest 0.5 mm.
- Tolerances depend on nominal cut width and material moisture absorption:
- Up to 200 mm: ±1 mm (low moisture absorption); ±2 mm (higher moisture)
- 200–600 mm: ±2 mm; ±3 mm
- 600–1 000 mm: ±4 mm; ±5 mm
- 1 000–2 000 mm: ±6 mm; ±6 mm
- 2 000–4 000 mm: ±7 mm; ±0.3% of width (higher moisture)
- Over 4 000 mm: ±8 mm; ±0.3% of width (higher moisture)
- Lengths - endless and splicable belts: Measured with the belt laid flat and free from tension; measure along flat segments and sum them, applying a correction for belt thickness:
- Up to 2 m: ±10 mm
- 2–7 m: ±20 mm
- Over 7 m: ±0.3%
- Note: The standard prescribes subtracting π × belt thickness for belts with a neutral mid-line; asymmetric constructions may require a different correction-consult the belt manufacturer for the neutral-line offset.
- Lengths - open-ended (slab) belting: Measured by non-tensioning mechanical or electronic linear measurement methods in sequential segments. Tolerance relative to the manufacturer’s stated length is 0% / +25% (no negative allowance, up to +25% over the stated length).
Applications and users
- Quality control and inspection at belt manufacturers and converters
- Incoming goods verification for conveyor system integrators and end users
- Contract specification and acceptance testing for industrial conveyors (warehousing, light manufacturing, packaging)
- Purchasing and procurement documentation to ensure delivered belts meet dimensional expectations
Related standards
- ISO 21183-1 - Light conveyor belts - Part 1: Principal characteristics and applications (normatively referenced)
- Prepared by ISO/TC 41 (Pulleys and belts), Subcommittee SC 3 (Conveyor belts)
Keywords: ISO 15147:2012, light conveyor belts, belt tolerances, cut widths, belt lengths, measurement methods, conveyor belt specifications, quality control.