Investigation of roller interactions with flexible tape medium

Lateral tape displacement and roller axial runout are measured on an experimental tape transport. The effect of roller axial runout on lateral displacement of tape is investigated. Tape lateral displacement is found to be generated at the roller surface, and is observed to be correlated to roller axial runout. A number of typical roller types are investigated to determine the mechanism causing lateral tape displacement. Edge contact and friction are each shown to play a role in the creation of lateral tape displacement in the tape path.