Cover Tape
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
What is cover tape?
Heat seal cover tape is a strip material used for SMD packaging of electronic products, often used in conjunction with carrier tape.
It is essentially a TPO film. Cover tapes manufactured by Tongxi are suitable for polystyrene and polycarbonate carrier tapes. These pressure sensitive cover tapes are resealable and highly transparent. The transparent cover tape facilitates inspection of the assembly and the antistatic properties eliminate any tearing during removal of the cover tape from the carrier reel. Other widths are available upon request.
Tongxi Electronics supplies heat seal cover tape in matched sets with our embossed carrier tape, pre-tested for seal strength and peel force as a validated system. We also supply cover tape independently for use with customer carrier tape, in standard and anti-static grades, across the full EIA-481 width range.
Learn more about SMD Carrier Tape Raw Materials.
Cover Tapes Parameters
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Heat Sealable tape (HAS) & Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive tape (PSA) |
| Material | PS (Polystyrene), PET (Polyester) |
| Standard Specifications | 9.3MM, 13.3MM, 21.3MM, 25.5MM, 49.5MM |
| Cover Tape Width Options | Common widths: 5.3 mm (5.4 mm), 9.3 mm, 13.3 mm, 21.3 mm, 25.5 mm, 37.5 mm |
| Functionality | Used to cover and seal components in carrier tapes, providing protection against contamination and damage |
Cover Tape Types: Heat Activated (HAA) vs Pressure Sensitive
There are two sealing mechanisms for heat seal cover tape used in SMT tape-and-reel packaging. Understanding the difference is essential before placing an order:
| Heat Activated (HAA) Cover Tape | Pressure Sensitive (PSA) Cover Tape | |
|---|---|---|
| Sealing method | Heated sealing shoe at 130°C–170°C bonds adhesive layer to carrier tape flanges | Adhesive pre-activated at room temperature; sealed with controlled pressure + low heat |
| Bond strength | Higher, more consistent across long runs | Moderate; sufficient for most standard SMT applications |
| Equipment required | Heat sealer (standard in most SMT packaging lines) | Simpler sealing equipment; cold-seal capable |
| Peel force stability | Excellent across full reel length (≥300m continuous) | Good; sensitive to temperature variation in storage |
| Recommended for | High-volume production lines; heavy or large components; export shipping with temperature cycling | Smaller batches; light passives; cost-sensitive applications |
| ESD version available | Anti-static HAA | Anti-static PSA |
| Carrier tape compatibility | PC, PS, PET | PS, PET, PVC |
Problems and Solutions
1. Problem: Inconsistent Tape Widths
The standard widths of cover tapes may not fit all carrier tapes, causing compatibility issues. Solution: Our cover tapes are available in various widths, including 9.3MM, 13.3MM, 21.3MM, 25.5MM, and 49.5MM, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of carrier tapes.
2. Problem: Poor Adhesion Quality
Some cover tapes may not provide sufficient adhesion, leading to loose seals and potential contamination. Solution: Our cover tapes are available in both heat sealable (HAS) and pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) types, providing reliable sealing performance for different applications.
3. Problem: Limited Material Options
Certain applications may require specific material types for cover tapes, but options are often limited. Solution: Our cover tapes are made from high-quality PS and PET materials, offering excellent durability and protection against environmental factors like moisture and dust.
4. Problem: Difficulty in Handling and Application
Some cover tapes are difficult to apply correctly, leading to inefficiency or errors in sealing. Solution: With easy-to-use pressure-sensitive adhesives or heat sealable options, our tapes are designed for quick and efficient application, reducing the chances of errors.
Classification of cover tapes
1. Depending on the width of the matching carrier tape, there are different widths of cover tapes. Common widths are 5.3 mm (5.4 mm), 9.3 mm, 13.3 mm, 21.3 mm, 25.5 mm, 37.5 mm, etc.
2. There are three types of cover tapes according to the characteristics of the bonding between the cover tape and the carrier tape and the peeling off from the carrier tape, thermal cover tape (HAA), pressure sensitive cover tape (PSA) and the new universal cover tape (UCT).
Characteristics of the cover tapes
1. Tensile performance, will not break easily.
2. Anti-static to protect electronic components from damage.
Anti-Static (ESD) Cover Tape — When to Specify
Standard cover tape is electrically non-conductive. When handling ESD-sensitive components — including CMOS ICs, RF chips, power MOSFETs, and bare die — the cover tape itself can accumulate triboelectric charge during:
High-speed reel winding and unwinding
Automated feeder peel-back at the SMT machine
Friction during transportation and storage
For these applications, specify Tongxi's anti-static heat seal cover tape, which incorporates a permanent anti-static coating on the component-facing surface. Key properties:
Surface resistivity: <1×10¹¹ Ω (ANSI/ESD STM11.11)
Charge decay: tested to prevent triboelectric charge accumulation during feeder peel
Permanent anti-static treatment — not a surface rinse that degrades over time
Available in both HAA and PSA sealing types
Fully compatible with ESD-safe carrier tape to provide a complete static-controlled packaging system
Pair with Tongxi ESD-grade embossed carrier tape for a complete ANSI/ESD S20.20 compliant tape-and-reel package.
Why Choose Tongxi Cover Tapes?
Tongxi Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. was founded in 2010, and has been a professional processing and export enterprise specializing in supporting production materials for IC, smart card, chip, and semiconductor manufacturers. Our company is committed to providing high-quality products and services with an integrated quality control system. We are ISO 9001 certified, ensuring the highest standards in every product we deliver.
Competitive Price & High-Quality Products: Cost-effective pricing with top-tier quality.
Global Recognition: Trusted by industry leaders like STMicroelectronics, Eastcompeace, Apollo, Smartflex.
Automated Production & Quality Control: 5000 sqm factory with automated production lines and state-of-the-art testing equipment.
Reliable Service: Comprehensive post-sale support and a focus on customer satisfaction.
Proven Expertise: Over a decade of industry experience in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between heat seal cover tape and pressure sensitive cover tape?
Heat seal cover tape (HAA) requires a heated sealing shoe to activate the adhesive and bond it to the carrier tape flanges. This produces a stronger, more consistent seal — especially important for export shipping, heavy components, and high-speed SMT feeders. Pressure sensitive (PSA) cover tape uses a pre-activated adhesive that bonds under controlled pressure at low or room temperature, making it simpler to apply but more sensitive to temperature variation during storage and transit. For most IC and semiconductor packaging, HAA is the industry standard.
Q2: How do I choose the right peel force for my application?
Match peel force to component weight and transport conditions. Light passives (0402/0603 R/C) work well at 30–50g. Standard ICs (SOT, QFN, SOP) should use 40–60g. Large, heavy components or reels destined for long-distance freight shipping should specify 60–80g. If you send us your component type, carrier tape width, and target feeder model, we will recommend the correct peel force range.
Q3: My current cover tape is leaving adhesive residue on the carrier tape flanges. What causes this?
Adhesive residue is caused by over-sealing: temperature too high, dwell time too long, or pressure too great for the adhesive formulation. This makes the bond so strong that adhesive transfers to the carrier tape surface when peeled. Solution: reduce sealing temperature by 10°C increments and re-test peel force. If you are using a cover tape not matched to your carrier tape material, switching to a validated matched set from Tongxi eliminates this issue.
Q4: Can Tongxi's heat seal cover tape be used on a competitor's carrier tape?
Yes, with validation. Our cover tape is formulated for PC, PS, and PET carrier tape with surface energy ≥38 dyne/cm, which covers most market-standard carrier tapes. We recommend ordering a sample set and running a peel force test on your specific carrier tape before committing to production quantities.
Q5: What storage conditions are required for heat seal cover tape?
Store in original sealed packaging at 20±5°C, relative humidity <50%, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Under these conditions, shelf life is 12 months from manufacture date. Once the reel is opened, use within 72 hours. Exposure to humidity can affect the adhesive layer and cause inconsistent peel force.
Q6: Do you supply cover tape pre-applied to carrier tape reels?
Yes. Tongxi's standard offering is a pre-loaded, sealed tape-and-reel set — embossed carrier tape loaded and sealed with matched cover tape on plastic reels. We also supply cover tape rolls independently. For the matched set, peel force and seal strength have been tested together as a system and documented in the batch Certificate of Conformance.
We are a professional cover tape supplier. Each type of tape offers different characteristics and benefits. Contact us to help you choose the tape that is best for you.
Tags: Cover Tape, Carrier Tape, Spacer Tape, Leader Tape, Black Conductive PE film, Electronic Plastic Reel, Wire Bond Tools.
