Lateral motion and edge wear of magnetic tapes

Lateral motion and edge wear are measured on magnetic tape, and the relationship between tape edge wear and tape lateral motion is investigated. Instrumentation for measuring tape edge force is described. Tape edge force is measured at the tape guiding position using a force-calibrated cantilever spring and a linear optical probe. Typical measurements of tape lateral motion are given as a function of tape tension, tape direction, and path position. A technique for measuring tape edge wear is introduced and wear measurements are presented as a function of load and the number of passes.