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Tape & reel vs cut tape vs tube: how to order SMT parts
Which supply format to pick for a prototype vs a production run — and how each one feeds.
When you order SMT parts, the distributor asks how you want them packaged. The choice affects price, minimum quantity, and whether your machine can even feed them.
Tape & reel
Tape & reel is the default for volume: parts in pocketed tape on a reel, fed by a standard tape feeder. Cheapest per part, but with a full-reel minimum — often thousands.
Cut tape
Cut tape is a short strip cut from a reel — same pockets, just fewer parts. Perfect for prototypes; feed it by hand or on a strip feeder.
Tubes and trays
ICs also come in tubes (fed by a stick / vibratory feeder) and fine-pitch or large parts ship in JEDEC trays. Both keep parts oriented, but hold far fewer than a reel.
Which to order
- ·Prototype / one board — cut tape, or a tube for ICs
- ·Small batch — cut tape, or a small reel if it's cheap
- ·Production — full reels (or an ammo pack) to keep feeders loaded
Whatever the format, the part's orientation in it sets the placement rotation — see why placements need rotation correction.
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