What is Embossed Carrier Tape?

Embossed carrier tape is a precision-formed packaging medium used to transport integrated circuits (ICs), bare die, and electronic components through the semiconductor supply chain. The tape contains thermoformed pockets that hold individual components securely during automated pick-and-place assembly, testing, and shipping. Combined with a sealed cover tape and wound onto reels, embossed carrier tape enables high-speed, high-reliability component handling from back-end packaging through final SMT assembly.

Materials & Options

ePAK offers a broad set of application-specific carrier tape materials, each engineered for specific handling requirements.

Tri-laminate materials combine multiple polymer layers to deliver superior tape strength and consistent pocket formation. This construction resists deformation during high-speed feed operations, making tri-laminate tapes the preferred choice for standard IC packaging where mechanical reliability is critical.

Homogeneous materials are single-layer conductive or dissipative polymers that provide enhanced ESD protection throughout the tape body. Because there are no lamination boundaries, homogeneous materials also allow for deeper pocket embossing, accommodating taller components and stacked die packages.

eVISION designs are optimized for automated optical inspection systems. The material selection and pocket geometry are engineered to minimize false rejects from vision-based pick-and-place machines, reducing machine stoppages and improving throughput on the assembly line.

Applications

Bare die handling requires the highest level of precision and contamination control. ePAK’s carrier tapes for bare die feature tight-tolerance pockets formed to match the exact die dimensions, combined with polycarbonate materials that minimize particle generation and ionic contamination during transport and storage.

IC and component packaging covers the full range of packaged semiconductors, from QFN and BGA packages to passive components and connectors. ePAK provides clear PET and polycarbonate tape options for visual inspection compatibility, along with deep-pocket and odd-form capabilities for non-standard component geometries.

Carrier Tape Reels

Every carrier tape system requires a matched reel for proper feeding and handling in automated equipment. ePAK supplies antistatic and conductive reels to maintain ESD protection throughout the packaging chain. Multi-piece reel designs allow for efficient assembly and reduced shipping volume, while nesting reels stack compactly for storage and return logistics. All reels are available in standard 7-inch and 13-inch diameters.

Carrier Tape Specifications

ePAK’s embossed carrier tapes are manufactured to comply with EIA-481 and related industry standards. Standard tape widths include 8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 24mm, 32mm, 44mm, and 56mm. Pocket dimensions, depth, and pitch are configured to match the specific component being packaged. Standard pitch options include 4mm, 8mm, 12mm, and 16mm, with custom configurations available for non-standard components. ePAK also offers custom pocket designs for unique component geometries, with in-house tooling capabilities that enable rapid prototyping and production-ready tooling within short lead times.

Consistency, dependability, and reliability define ePAK’s approach to carrier tape manufacturing. Every production run is engineered to deliver the same dimensional accuracy and material performance, ensuring set-and-forget processing parameters on your assembly line.