Polystyrene is one of the most commonly used basic materials in the field of carrier tapes. With its low cost and stable processing performance, it has become the mainstream choice for carrier tapes in mid to low end electronic components. From a structural perspective, PS is an amorphous polymer with high molecular chain regularity, endowing it with high transparency and smooth surface, which can clearly display the appearance of the component and facilitate its smooth detachment from the carrier.
In terms of mechanical properties, the tensile strength of PS is about 35-50MPa, which is slightly lower than PC but sufficient to meet the support requirements of conventional electronic components; Its density is only 1.04-1.06g/cm ³, about 15% lighter than PC, which can reduce the overall weight of the carrier and save transportation costs. More importantly, PS has excellent processing fluidity and fast filling speed during injection molding, making it suitable for rapid production of thin-walled carrier tapes and greatly improving production efficiency.
However, PS has weak temperature resistance (thermal deformation temperature of about 70-90 ℃) and is not resistant to high temperature reflow soldering, so it is mostly used in room temperature or low temperature mounting scenarios (such as small discrete components in consumer electronics). But its price is only one-third to one-half of that of PC, with significant advantages in comprehensive cost-effectiveness, and it is still one of the carrier materials with the highest market share.
Our carrier tapes include PS carrier tape, PC carrier tape, and BGA transparent carrier tape. We also offer SMT carrier tape, Custom Carrier tape, Cover tape, High Capability Carrier tape, and ESD carrier tape. If necessary, please send us the pod drawings and contact us.