Classification by Width:
Depending on the size of the electronic components they accommodate, carrier tapes are categorized into various widths. Common widths include 8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 24mm, 32mm, 44mm, 56mm, and others. With the evolution of the electronics market-specifically the trend toward increasingly miniaturized chips-carrier tapes have likewise advanced in the direction of greater precision; consequently, 4mm-wide carrier tapes are now available on the market.
Categorization by Function:
To protect electronic components from damage caused by static electricity, certain precision components impose specific requirements regarding the anti-static rating of carrier tapes. Based on their anti-static properties, carrier tapes can be classified into three types: conductive, anti-static (static-dissipative), and insulating.
Categorized by the characteristics of their pocket formation:
Embossed carrier tape and punched carrier tape. Embossed carrier tape refers to a type of tape in which localized stretching of the material-achieved through molding or thermoforming processes-creates recessed pockets. Depending on specific requirements, this type of carrier tape can be formed with pockets of varying sizes to accommodate the dimensions of the electronic components being housed. Punched carrier tape, conversely, involves the use of a die to punch out pockets that are either fully or partially perforated. With this type of tape, the thickness of the electronic components that can be accommodated is limited by the thickness of the carrier tape itself; consequently, it is generally suitable only for packaging smaller components.
Classification by Carrier Tape Material:
Carrier tape materials primarily fall into two categories: plastics (polymers) and paper. Embossed carrier tapes are predominantly composed of plastic materials; the dominant types in the market are PC (Polycarbonate), PS (Polystyrene), and ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) carrier tapes. Additionally, a small quantity of carrier tapes are manufactured using materials such as PET and APET. Punched carrier tapes are primarily produced from paper-based materials or PE composite materials.
PC material is characterized by high mechanical strength, excellent transparency, superior dimensional stability, a high glass transition temperature, and good heat resistance. The mechanical strength of PS material is lower than that of PC; consequently, it is sometimes processed into a three-layer composite sheet-often in combination with ABS material-to enhance the carrier tape's tensile strength. The mechanical strength of PET material is comparable to that of PC; however, being a crystalline material, it exhibits relatively poor dimensional stability.
Classification by Carrier Tape Forming Method:
Based on the method used to form the pockets, carrier tapes can be categorized into two types: intermittent (flat-bed molding) and continuous (rotary molding). Compared to the intermittent method, the continuous forming method typically offers superior dimensional stability and higher product dimensional precision. Conversely, the intermittent forming method is better suited for manufacturing pockets of larger dimensions.
