Overview
ISO 7623:2022 is an international standard that specifies the method for testing the bond strength between steel cords and their surrounding coatings in metal-carcass conveyor belts. This standard defines procedures to evaluate cord-to-coating adhesion both in the belt’s initial manufactured state and after exposure to defined thermal treatment conditions. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this fourth edition replaces and updates the previous 2015 version to ensure reliable quality assessment of steel cord conveyor belts under operational stresses.
The bond between steel cords and coatings is critical for the mechanical integrity and durability of conveyor belts used in industries such as mining, manufacturing, and logistics. By standardizing the testing method, ISO 7623:2022 supports manufacturers, quality controllers, and end users in verifying belt performance and extending service life.
Key Topics
-
Scope and Application
Applies exclusively to metal-carcass conveyor belts with steel cords; focuses on measuring cord-to-coating bond strength before and after thermal treatment.
-
Test Methodology
Requires preparation of belt specimens with specified dimensions and removal of coating and weft layers at test areas. The key measurement involves tensile testing to pull out a steel cord from the coating along its axis.
-
Thermal Treatment Conditions
Thermal aging is simulated by pressing the specimen between heated platens at 145 °C ± 5 °C for 150 minutes under controlled pressure. The test compares bond strength before and after this treatment to assess thermal aging effects.
-
Equipment Requirements
Utilizes a dynamometric tensile testing machine compliant with ISO 7622-2 and a press with heated platens capable of controlled temperature and pressure.
-
Test Environment
Standardized atmosphere conditions set at 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity, following ISO 18573 guidelines to ensure test repeatability.
-
Result Calculation and Reporting
Tear-out force is recorded for three specimens and averaged. Bond strength is expressed in newtons per millimeter of test length. The test report must include test conditions, belt identification, treatment state, and any deviations from standard parameters.
Applications
ISO 7623:2022 is essential for quality assurance and performance verification in industries utilizing steel cord conveyor belts, including:
-
Mining and Quarrying – Where conveyor belts are exposed to harsh, thermally variable environments requiring secure cord adhesion to withstand heavy loads and abrasion.
-
Material Handling and Logistics – Ensuring consistent bond strength improves belt lifespan and reduces downtime in high-throughput conveyor systems.
-
Manufacturing Industry – Assists belt manufacturers to validate product durability, enhancing customer confidence and compliance with international product standards.
-
Thermal Aging Assessment – Enables prediction of belt performance after exposure to elevated temperatures, critical for processes involving heat or flame exposure.
By adopting ISO 7623:2022 test methods, industries can optimize conveyor belt selection, reduce maintenance costs, and improve operational safety.
Related Standards
-
ISO 7622-2: Steel cord conveyor belts - Longitudinal traction test - Part 2: Measurement of tensile strength
Provides the tensile testing machine specifications referenced in ISO 7623:2022 for performing cord-to-coating bond tests.
-
ISO 18573: Conveyor belts - Test atmospheres and conditioning periods
Defines controlled atmospheric conditions for consistent test results in conveyor belt testing, adopted by ISO 7623 for conditioning specimens.
-
ISO 14890: Rubber belts - Conveyor belts - Specification
Discusses general requirements and classifications for conveyor belts, complementary to ISO 7623’s focus on bond testing.
-
CEN/TC 188: Conveyor belts (European Committee for Standardization)
Collaborates with ISO on conveyor belt standardization, ensuring harmonization across international and regional requirements.
Keywords: ISO 7623:2022, steel cord conveyor belts, cord-to-coating bond test, thermal treatment, bond strength, tensile testing, conveyor belt standards, metal-carcass belts, quality control, conveyor belt durability, thermal aging test.