What are the specific causes of conveyor belt mistracking?

1. Installation-related issues
Non-parallel pulley axes, idlers not perpendicular to the conveyor centerline, and frame deformation or tilting directly cause uneven tension on both sides; these are the most common "inherent" causes.
2. Component anomalies
Material buildup or uneven wear on pulley surfaces, jammed or missing idlers, and misaligned or aged/deformed belt splices generate continuous lateral thrust during operation, leading to mistracking.
3. Load and material factors
Off-center loading points or uneven material distribution (loading on one side) create an imbalance of forces when the belt is loaded; mistracking typically does not occur during no-load operation.
4. Maintenance and environmental factors
Uneven tension adjustment, belt slackening due to long-term use, and uneven belt expansion or contraction caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations are causes stemming from inadequate ongoing maintenance.