SnapPAX™-
Mechanically Interlocking Tape

SnapPAX is a tab interlocking combination of embossed carrier and StitchLock cover tape which is used primarily for taping certain thin and fragile components. The key to properly packaging thin components is to prevent them from shingling between pockets front to back, and between the cover tape and the carrier side to side. Also, parts which may be coated with an adhesive would normally stick to the cover tape, really need to be touched and captivated only on their edges.

With SnapPAX, the cover tape consists of additional punched tabs which interlock with features in the embossed carrier. It is the combination of the component location and support features in the embossed pocket as well as the curvature of the additional punched tabs in the cover tape, that minimally touch the part and control the elevation of the part in the pocket, preventing uncontrolled movement of the parts.

These unique tape features allow parts as thin as 0.05 (0.002") to be taped for automatic handling. Coplanarity is fully protected as there is only the weight of the part itself effecting forces in the package.

Parts are picked from tape using either vacuum or gripper type nozzles. The parts are usually of surface mount designs. Due to the precision location of the part in the carrier, vision assist is usually not required for accurate placement. The tapes are fully staple spliceable, providing maximization of placement equipment throughput. The spliced carrier tape is fully reusable (cover tape is not reused) if collected on reels at the tape exhaust location on feeder. This serves to reduce cost and minimize waste and scrap.