SEMX's 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 SEMX's stamped products are very small, SEMX employs the use of highly automated equipment to perform this packaging function.

Close up of surf tape (top) and pocket tape (bottom)

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. SEMX 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.

SEMX 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.

SEMX 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.

SEMX 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.

SEMX 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

SEMX's tape on reel packaging offers many advantages to the customer. SEMX 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.

SEMX has built taping capacity around the notion of one-stop shopping for its customers. SEMX is the only US-based company stamping and taping it's own products. One stop shopping means fewer headaches, qualifications, and paperwork for SEMX's customers.

	A Service of
	1 Labriola Court Armonk NY, 10504 Phone: (914) 273-5500 Fax: (914) 273-5860 E-Mail: info@sempck.com