Cover Tape for Sealing Carrier Tape: Heat, Pressure and Stock
Heat sealing or pressure adhesive
There are two ways to attach the cover tape to the carrier, and they are not interchangeable:
- Heat seal (HS). It is applied using a heated clamp. It is the standard in automated lines: the sealing is highly repeatable once temperature, pressure, and time are properly adjusted, and it holds up well to long-term storage. It requires equipment with a heated clamp and batch validation of the settings.
- Pressure sensitive adhesive (PS). It bonds by pressure, without heat. It's useful when the component cannot tolerate nearby heat, when the volume doesn't justify calibrating a clamp, or on equipment that doesn't have one. It's quicker to remove and more sensitive to surface cleanliness.
We handle both in all inventory widths. If you're unsure which one your line uses, you can check the sealing machine: if it has heating and temperature control, it's heat sealing.
Detachment force: the fact that almost no one checks
If the cover tape is pulled off with too little force, the component will fall out of the cavity before reaching the nozzle. If it is pulled off with too much force, the tape will pull the part, dislodge it, or the cover tape will break and stop the line.
That's why EIA-481 It doesn't leave it to the provider's discretion. It sets a range based on the carrier's bandwidth:
- Carrier of 8 mm: of 0.1 to 1.0 N (10 to 100 g).
- Carrier of 12 to 56 mm: of 0.1 to 1.3 N (10 to 130 g).
- Carrier of 72 mm or more: of 0.1 to 1.5 N (10 to 150 g).
And it also specifies how it is measured, which is equally important: at room temperature, tilting at an angle of 175° to 180° already a speed of 300 ± 10 mm/min. A measurement taken at a different angle or speed yields a number that cannot be compared to anything.
When a reel fails in the feeder and the measurements are fine, this is almost always the problem.
What we have in stock
- Cover tape for carriers of 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 44, 56, 66 and 88 mm, with a physical presence in Mexico. The 8mm one included, which is needed to reseal small component reels —resistors, capacitors, SOTs— after opening them for inspection, after using them only partially, or after the original seal is damaged in transit.
- The two sealing families, heat sealing and pressure adhesive.
- Rolls of 300 and 500 meters.
If it's in stock and you're in the same city, it will be delivered the same day. It's the difference between waiting for a shipment from Asia when the line is already stopped.
Annual Compatibility Guide
We published a guide that cross-references carrier width, seal type, and roll length to resolve the selection without back-and-forth.
Get a quote for cover tape
Tell us the width of the carrier you're using, the type of seal on your equipment, and the quantity. With that information, we can tell you which part number is right for you and whether it's in stock. Contact us.
What is cover tape used for?
The cover tape isn't chosen on its own: it has to match the carrier tape which seals, and both travel on a reel held by flanges. The three pieces are chosen together.
If you prefer not to manage the consumables, we deliver the component already taped and verified: this is our service. taping of components. The complete catalog is available at ESD consumables.
The four typical problems, and what causes them
- Intermittent sealing. Some sections seal, some don't. It's almost always due to a clamp adjustment—temperature, pressure, or time—or dirt on the carrier's sealing track. The profile is checked before blaming the material.
- Filaments upon detachment (angel hairThin strands of adhesive that remain hanging and get into the nozzle or onto the component. This usually results from overheating the sealant or from using a cover that is not compatible with the carrier material.
- Cold takeoff. A reel that has been in cold storage and is then run directly onto the line will release different material. It's best to allow the material to stabilize at room temperature before running it.
- Force out of range. If the component comes out before the nozzle or the tape pulls it along, that's the first thing to measure. See the section above.
All four were diagnosed before changing suppliers, and in most cases the material was not the problem.
Buy cover tape online
Heat-sealable and self-adhesive (PSA) cover tape, from 8 to 88 mm wide and in 300 and 500 m rolls, is also available at SBC Store, Price per unit, VAT included, and shipping throughout Mexico. If you don't know which width is compatible with your carrier, the compatibility guide on this page will tell you, and the carrier tape It's in the same store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my line uses heat sealing or pressure adhesive?
You can tell by the sealer: if it has a heating element and temperature control, it's heat sealing. If it only applies pressure with a roller, it's PS (pressure sealing).
What width of cover tape do I need?
It is determined by the width of the carrier tape, not the component. We handle carrier covers from 8 to 88 mm.
What should the detachment force be?
Between 0.1 and 1.3 N for carriers from 12 to 56 mm, according to EIA-481, measured at 175-180° and 300 mm/min. Outside of that range the component comes off or the tape drags it.
Do you carry an antistatic version?
Yes, for components sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
How long does delivery take?
If the item is in stock and you are in the same city, on the same day.
Do they sell only the consumable or also the service?
Both. You can buy the roll, or send us the component and receive it already on a reel.