---
title: Don't Allow Conveyor Belt Edge Damage
description: Learn how conveyor belt damage from mistracking, such as fraying and edge wear, can impair efficiency and safety. Discover effective solutions for prevention and repair.
---

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2. [Belt Conveyor and Component Damage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-and-component-damage?hsLang=en)

- [Basics of Belt Conveyor Systems](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/basics-of-belt-conveyor-systems?hsLang=en)
- [Conveyor Belt Mistracking](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/conveyor-belt-mistracking?hsLang=en)
- [Belt Conveyor and Component Damage](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-and-component-damage?hsLang=en)
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- [Belt Conveyor System Maintenance](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-system-maintenance?hsLang=en)

# Don't Allow Conveyor Belt Edge Damage

## Understanding and Addressing Conveyor Belt Damage from Mistracking

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![0416H-1](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/0416H-1.png?width=688&height=516&name=0416H-1.png)

Many flaws in a conveyor system tend to gouge or tear the belt, but even minor issues like fraying can cause significant long-term damage. Belt-edge damage often results from [belt mistracking](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/causes-of-conveyor-belt-mistracking?hsLang=en) at various points along the conveyor's path, where constant friction slowly wears down the belt. This type of damage usually doesn't occur suddenly and may not immediately show visible signs.

Left unaddressed, belt mistracking can reduce the belt's size enough to impair its ability to handle its rated load, aside from compromising its integrity. Such issues can arise from problems within the conveyor itself, such as misaligned idlers or the buildup of abrasive materials along the idlers' sides.

To rectify mistracking, various solutions can be employed depending on the specific cause. Methods like laser surveying can realign idlers, or businesses might choose to install self-aligning idlers. However, the first step in resolving misalignment issues is [conducting a thorough evaluation of the conveyor system](https://foundations.martin-eng.com/en/knowledge/belt-conveyor-maintenance-inspection?hsLang=en) to identify and address the root cause before implementing corrective actions.

 

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