Qualification of the tape-and-reel packing system ensures quality to the customer

This paper discusses the purpose of transport media qualification, which is to ensure the highest probability of success in delivering pristine product to the customer. For tape-and-reel, the qualification divides between tests for physical and mechanical conditions, and material and chemical properties. The mechanical testing is the focus of this paper, and includes chip fit analyses, functional line tests, and drop testing. Perhaps the single most critical test of a carrier tape pocket´s ability to provide mechanical part protection is the drop test. The two most important aspects of the drop test are shown to be the use of carefully designed “control lots” to ensure the reliability of the results, and the analysis procedure. In conclusion, recommendations for the criteria for gauging the “success” of these tests are presented