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There Reely is a Difference

    Carrier Tape is the temporary packaging that gets components from the manufacturer to the PCB Assembly Line. It is normally designed to hold a specific component in the correct orientation and provide protection from damage.

    While it’s on the reel, Carrier Tape can only support a component from underneath since there is nothing supporting the edges. Because the material is actually stretched to form the pocket, the bottom is much thinner than the top flat surface where the cover tape is applied. If you squeeze from the sides its easy to damage components like an SOIC or a QFP.

    ANSI/EIA – 481 - C has specific requirements for the Reels used for Surface Mount Taping. These requirements are described in Section 4 and on Page 14 Figure 12. Many company’s ignore or are not aware of Page 14 Figure 12. When the Carrier Tape is wound on a reel the outer edges of the pockets line up while the bottoms are either resting on the hub or on the row underneath. This prevents damage to the Carrier Tape or the Component unless the Carrier Tape is wound too tightly.

    Reels like this are used frequently in our industry, and many engineers don’t realize is that when the reel is full or there are several layers of components, damage can occur to the components that can not be detected until after they are removed and typically mounted on a PCB.

    If you look at Example 1, it’s easy to see that the weight of the components will press down on the bottom row. Since there is no support for the pocket, the carrier tape is forced to bend. Depending on the quality and strength of the carrier tape, is how likely damage will occur. If the pocket bends the leads (based on normal standards) just 0.005", it won’t solder correctly. Keep in mind a piece of 20# copier paper measures about 0.003" thick.

    I’ve been told that reeling components like this is no different than running them through a feeder – but I disagree. First of all carrier tape is never stacked on a feeder. In fact there is NO downward pressure on the tape (excepting gravity). This makes all the difference in the world.

    The end result is the use of Reels with a groove along the seating surface of the hub places any component with delicate leads along the edges at risk of damage. Since this section of tape is the last used, any damage typically would not be observed until the components have been mounted onto the PCB.

    It is impossible to accurately determine how many components are damaged and the actual cost of rework caused. Depending on the value of the components, the loss of even one could be far more that the value of many Reels.

    On Reels that are EIA-481-B compliant, the top surface of the carrier tape is not used to support the carrier tape along the edges.

    This system allows the carrier tape to PROPERLY support itself and protect components from damage. Personally, I believe if FLAT BOTTOM HUBS WERE REQUIRED many more contract manufacturers would have QFP’s tape and reeled to benefit from higher throughput and reduced feeder space.

There is a REEL DIFFERENCE

    When you use ACT reels, you can be sure you’ll always get FLAT BOTTOM HUBS. You’ll never have to worry about the kinds of damage we’ve just looked at because the reels look just like the drawings EIA recommends and are specifically designed to provide the Maximum support and protection to both the Carrier Tape and your Component.

    Why risk the high cost of lead refurbishing or component replacement. Use ACT Reels for all you Surface Mount Tape and Reel Needs.

    Because the ACT 3 piece reel can be EASILY disassembled and the hubs are all interchangeable, you can enjoy the benefits of MAXIMUM PROTECTION and Maximum Value - while occupying the absolute least amount of warehouse space.

    DON’T BE FOOLED BY CHEAP IMITATIONS. Specify ANSI/EIA – 481 - B compliant Reels for all you Surface Mount Tape and Reel needs. USE ACT REELS – There REELY is a difference.

Advanced Component Taping, Inc – find out what we can do for you!