ISO 6123-2:2015

Overview

ISO 6123-2:2015 specifies how to classify and test the surface characteristics of rubber or plastics covered rollers. The standard covers permissible surface imperfections (grading), common surface finishes (Types 1–5 and special Type S), and a laboratory method for quantitative surface roughness measurement using a contact profile meter. It is intended to ensure uniform, agreed surface quality for covered rollers used in industrial applications.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Grades for surface quality: A grade x/y describes permissible imperfection areas (mm²). Example: Grade 0,5/2 allows imperfections ≤0.5 mm², up to two imperfections between 0.5 mm² and 2 mm² per 0.1 m², and rejects larger defects. “Grade N” denotes no requirement.
• Surface finish types:
  • Type 1 - Polished (velvet-like in soft elastomers; smooth in hard materials)
  • Type 2 - Fine grinding (slight visual marks)
  • Type 3 - Standard grinding (visible and tactile marks)
  • Type 4 - Turned (turning grooves visible and tactile)
  • Type 5 - Unground (as-vulcanized or rough-cast)
  • Type S - Special/contract-defined finishes
• Surface roughness metrics: Quantitative characterization by arithmetical mean deviation R_a or ten-point height R_z (micrometres). Results are reported as the average of measurements across prescribed areas.
• Test method:
  • Instrument: contact profile meter (system M) per ISO 3274 and procedures from ISO 4288.
  • Stylus: 90° angle, tip radius ≤ 5 µm, static force ≤ 4 mN.
  • Measurement locations: five areas for covers ≤ 2.5 m; nine areas for covers > 2.5 m; stylus traverse parallel to roller axis.
  • Test conditions: temperature equilibrium (23 °C ±2 °C or 27 °C ±2 °C per ISO 23529); clean surface (isopropyl alcohol recommended).
  • Parameter selection: cut-off and sampling lengths depend on expected R_a or R_z ranges (e.g., small roughness uses 0.8 mm cut-off).
• Metrology performance: Repeatability and reproducibility expectations (typical limits: ~20% repeatability, ~50% reproducibility thresholds as described).

Applications and who uses it

ISO 6123-2:2015 is used by:

• Manufacturers of rubber/plastics covered rollers for product specification and production control
• Quality engineers and inspection laboratories for acceptance testing
• Purchasers and OEMs specifying contract requirements for roller surface quality
• R&D and process engineers evaluating surface treatment methods

Specifying surface finish or roughness helps ensure reliable contact performance, consistent coating/printing results, and predictable wear behavior across industrial roller applications.

Related standards

• ISO 6123-1: Requirements for hardness (same series)
• ISO 6123-3: Dimensional tolerances (same series)
• ISO 3274: Surface texture - Profile method (instrument characteristics)
• ISO 4288: Surface texture - Rules for assessment
• ISO 23529: Conditioning test pieces (temperature/humidity procedures)

Keywords: ISO 6123-2:2015, rubber covered rollers, plastics covered rollers, surface characteristics, surface finish, surface roughness, Ra, Rz, profile meter, roller grading, quality control.