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What is the Width of Magnetic Tape?

Published in Magnetic Tape Specifications 2 mins read

Magnetic tape typically comes in standard widths of 12.7mm, 19mm, and 25.4mm.

Standard Magnetic Tape Widths

High energy magnetic tape, commonly used in various recording applications, is manufactured in specific dimensions to ensure compatibility with different recording and playback systems. According to the provided reference, standard widths available are 12.7mm, 19mm, and 25.4mm.

Common Width Measurements

These widths correspond to specific formats often used in audio, video, and data storage applications over the years. For example, 12.7mm is equivalent to half an inch (0.5 inches), a common size in many formats.

Here are the standard widths mentioned:

Width (mm) Approximate Equivalent (inches) Common Usage Context (Illustrative)
12.7mm 0.5 inches Often associated with data tapes (e.g., LTO) or older video formats
19mm 0.75 inches Used in some professional video formats
25.4mm 1 inch Used in high-end professional video and data recording

Note: While the question is specifically about width, the reference also mentions that this type of tape is a standard 1.5mm thick (with 1mm thickness available on special request). The thickness is a different dimension from the width.

Understanding the standard widths is crucial for selecting the correct tape for a specific recording device or format, as incompatible widths can lead to improper loading, recording errors, or damage to equipment.

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