What Are Cassette Tapes Made of?
All cassette tapes are based on a polymer material that is strung through two miniaturized reels. On this polymer, a coating of a metallic-based substance allows analog signals to be magnetized and replayed on a recording device at a later time. The same tape can be re-recorded over for as long as the magnetic material survives on the tape; however, the device can be demagnetized.
History
Original designs for cassette tape, introduced in 1963, were based on gamma ferric oxide. Philips produced compact cassette tapes that used a polyester-type plastic film coated with this magnetic residue.
Significance
In 1970, 3M Company enhanced the overall tape levels on output to avoid the hiss associated with earlier models. The company double-coated the tape with a cobalt-based material. This was released under the Scotch brand.
Features
BASF, also in 1970, introduced its own new designs to meet the sound quality of vinyl records. The company used chromium dioxide as the base material on its tape and then coated with magnetite.
Considerations
In 1974, TDK made the polyester tape absorb an iron oxide-based element. This cobalt-absorbed tape had a higher quality as well as more durability, because the likelihood of the material being rubbed off the tape was mitigated.
Potential
The greatest step in cassette tape material advancement was introduced by 3M in 1979. The company found a way to use pure metal particles as opposed to previous oxide-based options. The tape would retain its magnetic information almost indefinitely. It also allowed for better equalization.
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