Carrier Tape Reels: Types, Manufacturing, Applications

Editor:Haining Hongkai Technology Co., Ltd. │ Release Time:2023-05-16 

I. Introduction


In the modern electronics industry, SMT is a mainstream component connection method; SMT is surface mount technology. The principle of this technology is achieved by soldering the original components directly to the printed circuit board, which has been highly integrated and automated production, so it has become the core of an important part of the electronic manufacturing process. So we will focus in this article on the carrier tape reel, a packaging material best suited for packaging and transporting, and storing the best packaging material for SMT originals. So what is her manufacturing industry like? What are the advantages? Well, let's study this together!

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About Carrier Tape Reel


Carrier Tape Reel is a plastic product made of conductive or non-conductive plastic material. Its shape is a long strip with pockets or grooves at certain distances, which can be used to fix SMT and other components, and can allow the components to be transported and stored in a way that can avoid direct damage from the outside world.

Carrier tape reels are available in many different sizes, generally more commercially available are 7" or 13", and can be customized to follow the size of the component and the need for packaging.

The development of SMT components has made carrier tape reels play a very important role. When choosing the right carrier tape reel, manufacturers must understand the level of protection for components in different materials and parameters to ensure they can play a real role in handling and transporting products.



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What types of Carrier Tape Reels are available?


A. Standard Carrier Tape Reel


The Standard Carrier Tape Reel is the most commonly used type of carrier tape reel. It is made of a non-conductive material such as PET (polyester film) or PS (polystyrene) and has evenly distributed pockets. These pockets can accommodate components of different sizes and shapes. In manufacturing, the carrier tape is cut to the desired length and then wound on a reel. The diameter of the carrier tape reel is typically 7" or 13".


B. Embossed Carrier Tape Reel


Embossed carrier tape reels provide better antistatic properties than standard carrier tape reels. This type of carrier tape reel uses a special mold to create a raised shape on the surface of the carrier tape. These raised shapes prevent direct contact between the components and the carrier tape surface, thus avoiding problems due to static electricity.


C. Cover Tape Reel


Cover Tape Reel is another common type of carrier tape reel. It is made of thermal tape, creating a peelable protective layer on the component. When the component needs to be removed, the cover tape can be peeled off, allowing the component to be easily accessible.


Manufacturing Process of Carrier Tape Reels


Material Selection


Carrier tape reels are usually made of non-conductive materials such as PET or PS. These materials have good mechanical properties and chemical stability and do not negatively affect the components.


Extrusion of Carrier Tape


Carrier tape reels are typically manufactured by extruding PET or PS film. The molten material is withdrawn and passed through a die during the extrusion process to form the desired bumps and pocket shapes. The extrusion process requires control of temperature, pressure, and speed to ensure the quality of the carrier tape reel.


Forming and Cutting of Carrier Tape into Reels


After extrusion, the carrier tape must be cut to the required length and wound on the reel. During this process, it is necessary to ensure the flatness and tightness of the carrier tape, as well as the correct tension and width.


Winding of Carrier Tape onto Reels


The carrier tape must be wound onto a reel, usually a 7" or 13" reel. During the winding process, the tension and number of layers of carrier tape need to be precisely controlled to ensure the stability and reliability of the carrier tape reels.


Applications of Carrier Tape Reels



Carrier tape reels can be used for SMT components and storing and transporting various other types of components, such as resistors and capacitors. The use of carrier tape reels can increase manufacturing efficiency and automation. Carrier tape reels can also be used to connect electronic components in the automotive industry, providing high reliability and vibration resistance. Carrier tape reels can also play an important role in the medical device industry, packaging electronic components, testing equipment, and diagnostic tools for medical devices that require a high degree of accuracy and reliability, so the range of applications for carrier tape reels is still quite extensive.


Advantages of Using Carrier Tape Reels



Carrier tape reels provide an enclosed environment for electronic components free from dust, moisture, and other factors that can contaminate electronic components. Because carrier tape reels can automate production and handle the transportation, they can be easily added to the discharge machine, and the number and location of components can be effectively controlled.


Conclusion


With the above-detailed elaboration, I believe that you also understand and know that the tape reel is an essential part of the electronics industry; it can well protect the electronic components, and the protection of electronic components, can improve the safety of the product can ensure the quality and performance of the product, with the continuous development of technology, the tape reel production industry is also constantly improving, the future can be suitable for any industry of electronic components.