Overview
ISO 15236-1:2016 - "Steel cord conveyor belts - Part 1: Design, dimensions and mechanical requirements for conveyor belts for general use" - specifies performance and constructional requirements for conveyor belts reinforced with longitudinal steel cords. It covers the design of individual belts and complete type series (see Clause 6), defining core construction, cover layers, dimensional tolerances and the mechanical criteria belts must meet for general-purpose conveyor applications.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Belt design and construction (Clauses 5–6)
- Defines belt core (steel cord layer) plus carrying and pulley-side covers.
- Addresses transverse reinforcements: breakers (part of cover) and weft (part of core).
- Specifies belt strengths from 500 N/mm to 10 000 N/mm and preferred strength types (e.g., ST 500 … ST 5400).
- Dimensions and tolerances
- Standard belt widths, manufacturing tolerances and requirements for edge width (min 15 mm, max 40 mm) and supporting belt width.
- Formulas for calculating number of cords, cord pitch, and edge width are provided to ensure consistent design.
- Mechanical requirements (Clause 7)
- Breaking strength of individual steel cords and minimum belt breaking strength per belt width.
- Cord position (horizontal and vertical), spacing of cord joints, and limits on cord displacement.
- Cord pull-out force, adhesion (cord-to-coating and cover-to-core), and ageing/thermal performance.
- Tests for troughability, tracking, electrical/flammability safety and other safety requirements.
- Supporting processes
- Sampling, designation, ordering data and marking requirements, plus purchaser information (Annex A).
Practical applications and users
ISO 15236-1:2016 is intended for manufacturers, specifiers and end-users of steel-cord reinforced conveyor belts used in mining, bulk material handling, ports, heavy industry and other applications requiring high-tension longitudinal reinforcement. Typical users:
- Conveyor belt manufacturers and designers (product design, QA, testing)
- Engineering procurement teams specifying belts for new conveyors or upgrades
- Maintenance and reliability engineers assessing belt replacement or compatibility
- Testing labs performing conformity and performance verification
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 15236-1:2016, steel cord conveyor belts, belt design, mechanical requirements, cord pitch, belt strength, troughability, adhesion, breaker, weft, conveyor belt standards.