Semiconductor Packaging Materials' patent-pending "Tape-on-Reel" packaging is a value-add process of placing stampings, typically capacitors, resistors, resistor networks and ceramic substrates, onto contact or pocket tape in an automated fashion. The process is used to support surface mount assembly operations, and accomplishes precision parts setting, orientation and handling. Since many of the Semiconductor Packaging Materials' stamped products are very small, Semiconductor Packaging Materials employs the use of highly automated equipment to perform this packaging function.
Prior to loading components on tape - the packaging department works with the customer to determine the proper carrier tape to use. Carrier tape is the tape that "carries" the part. Semiconductor Packaging Materials utilizes two different types of carrier tape - pocket (sometimes referred to as embossed) tape and surf tape. Pocket tape is appropriately described as it is a plastic tape embossed with pockets. During the taping process - the parts are placed in the pocket and then covered using a "cover tape" to keep the parts secure in the pocket. Pocket tape comes in both standard and custom sizes to meet the needs and usage requirements of the customer.
Semiconductor Packaging Materials pays significant attention to the proper selection of both the pocket and cover tapes. Size is one consideration, but other considerations include; the size of the reels, whether anti-static tape is needed, (either pocket or cover) whether conductive or non-conductive tapes are needed (either pocket or cover) and whether the cover tape should be heat or pressure activated.
Semiconductor Packaging Materials uses another form of carrier tape known as surf tape. Surf tape is tape with an adhesive back layer. This back layer holds the part in place without the use of a cover tape. Surf tape works well with small parts where exact orientation is important. By holding the parts with an adhesive - surf tape prevents movement and alignment problems. Surf tape is available in a conductive form.
Semiconductor Packaging Materials offers a variety of reel sizes. Different customers have different reeling requirements depending on the usage of the part, and the type of automated equipment being used. Larger reel sizes typically mean more uptime on the equipment due to fewer changeovers.
Semiconductor Packaging Materials creates custom engineered solutions for tape on reel loading - each customer requirement must be evaluated for the following properties:
Size
Orientation (which side is up)
Anti-Static nature
Conductive properties
Reel Size
Quantity per reel
Semiconductor Packaging Materials' tape on reel packaging offers many advantages to the customer. Semiconductor Packaging Materials taped products are pick and place ready - a perfect solution for high volume, low cost operations. The use of taped products permits exact consumption - eliminating waste, shrinkage and other material losses. Using taped components eliminates the need for capital equipment including shaker tables and other part alignment and orientation devices.
Semiconductor Packaging Materials has built taping capacity around the notion of one-stop shopping for its customers. Semiconductor Packaging Materials is the only US-based company stamping and taping it's own products. One stop shopping means fewer headaches, qualifications, and paperwork for Semiconductor Packaging Materials' customers.
