Component carrier tape is a strip-like material utilized in Surface Mount Technology (SMT) for packaging electronic components. The materials used for these tapes are primarily categorized into two major groups: plastic carrier tapes and paper carrier tapes. These tapes are often joined together with high precision-a process commonly employed during the splicing stage of continuous manufacturing lines.
PC (Polycarbonate): Characterized by high mechanical strength, excellent transparency, superior dimensional stability, and good heat resistance (with a maximum operating temperature reaching 125°C). It is suitable for the packaging of precision components, such as those found in the 3M carrier tape product series.
PS (Polystyrene): Offers lower cost but possesses lower mechanical strength compared to PC; it is frequently used for the packaging of general-purpose components.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Copolymer Resin): Exhibits good toughness and is often utilized in applications where a certain degree of impact resistance is required.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Its mechanical strength is comparable to that of PC; however, as it is a crystalline material, its dimensional stability is relatively poor. APET (Amorphous PET) can mitigate this issue.
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene): Some sources indicate that it is used in the manufacturing of carrier tapes.
Paper Carrier Tape Materials
Manufactured from high-strength base paper, typically featuring a layered structure comprising three or more plies (top layer, middle layer, and bottom layer).
The top layer is predominantly produced using a blend of sulfate softwood pulp and hardwood pulp (in a ratio of 40–70 to 60–30).
Strict requirements mandate precise control over conductive ion content, resistance to water and moisture, high surface strength, and excellent interlayer bonding strength.
Composite Carrier Tapes (Paper-Plastic Carrier Tapes)
Combining the advantages of both paper and plastic (such as PE or PP), these tapes offer a balance of environmental sustainability and protective performance.
The plastic layer provides water- and moisture-proofing capabilities, while the paper layer contributes rigidity and recyclability.
Summary: The primary materials used are PC, PS, ABS, and PET (for plastic types) and specialized base paper (for paper types); among these, PC dominates in high-end SMT applications due to its superior performance characteristics.
