Magnetic Tapes

A magnetic tape is a data storage medium consisting of a magnetisable oxide coating on a thin plastic strip, commonly used for backup and archiving. Early industry-standard magnetic tape was half an inch wide and wound on removable reels 10½ inches in diameter. Different lengths were available with 2400 feet and 4800 feet being common.

A schematic of a tape reel shows the principal components. Tape is wound around the hub of a tape reel forming a tape pack. The tape pack is protected from damage and disruption by flanges on the reel.


A moving tape wraps 180° around a cylindrical drum rotating at high speeds; the rotating head is oriented at a slight angle to the tape.