Carrier tapes serve as a critical packaging material in the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) process for electronic components. Their accompanying equipment and auxiliary materials collectively constitute a complete "carrier tape system," utilized for the protection, transport, storage, and automated placement of components.
Cover Tape (Top Sealing Tape): Used in conjunction with the carrier tape, it seals the tape's pockets-typically via heat sealing or pressure-sensitive adhesion-to create a hermetically sealed, protective environment. Common types include Heat-Activated Cover Tape (HAA) and Pressure-Sensitive Cover Tape (PSA).
Bottom Sealing Tape (Optional): Some carrier tapes feature an additional sealing tape applied to the bottom surface, serving to enhance sealing integrity or provide supplementary structural support.
Support Components for Automated Placement Equipment
Feeder: A critical component of an automated pick-and-place machine that achieves precise, step-by-step conveyance of the carrier tape by engaging a gear with the positioning holes located along the tape's edges.
Index Hole Drive Mechanism: A mechanical or optical system within the pick-and-place machine responsible for detecting the positioning holes on the carrier tape and controlling the step distance.
