Sequencing tape, also known as radial leaded tape, is a legacy but still mission-critical packaging and handling solution for through-hole electronic components. This format was developed long before modern surface-mount systems and remains in active use today across aerospace, military, defense, and long-life industrial programs.
This is not modern pocket carrier tape. There are no molded plastic pockets, no cover tape, and no individual cavities. Instead, sequencing tape consists of multiple leaded components positioned side by side, held and indexed by three, four, or five hole punch patterns in durable craft paper. The tape maintains consistent lead spacing, alignment, and orientation for reliable insertion and soldering.
To explore bandoliering options that support electronic sequencing and component reeling, visit
https://tapesplice.com/products/bandoliering/.
Unlike surface mount carrier tapes used for SMD components, this system is fundamentally different in both design and purpose.
This format reflects an era of electronics manufacturing focused on mechanical strength, reliability, and serviceability rather than miniaturization.
Through-hole technology follows a different assembly process than surface mount.
This creates a strong mechanical bond between the component and the board, making the assembly highly resistant to vibration, shock, and thermal stress.
In contrast, surface mount components attach to pads on the top of the circuit board and rely primarily on solder joint surface adhesion.
Sequencing tape is available in multiple hole formats to support different component sizes and insertion requirements.
Each configuration aligns with traditional through-hole component geometries and legacy feeder systems still operating today.
Despite widespread adoption of surface mount technology in commercial electronics, aerospace and defense sectors continue to rely heavily on through-hole designs and sequencing tape.
Mechanical Strength
Through-hole leads pass completely through the circuit board, providing superior resistance to vibration, shock, and mechanical stress. This is critical for aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, ground vehicles, and ruggedized defense systems.
Thermal Reliability
Leaded components tolerate wide temperature swings and thermal cycling better than many fine-pitch surface mount packages, reducing solder joint fatigue over time.
Long-Life Programs
Many defense and aerospace platforms are designed to remain in service for 20 to 50 years. Redesigning proven circuitry for surface mount technology introduces risk, requalification costs, and regulatory hurdles. Maintaining the original through-hole architecture avoids costly recertification and preserves system integrity.
Repairability and Service
Through-hole assemblies are easier to inspect, desolder, repair, and replace. Field service and depot-level maintenance remain practical even decades after original deployment.
Proven and Qualified Designs
These systems are already tested qualified and trusted under strict aerospace and military standards. Changing packaging does not improve performance but does increase risk.
Redesigning a flight-critical or mission-critical system simply to modernize component packaging is not innovation. It introduces uncertainty into systems where failure is not an option.
Sequencing tape may look old-school, but it feeds insertion equipment reliably, holds lead spacing precisely, and supports production lines that have been running flawlessly for decades.
In defense and aerospace, reliability always beats novelty.
Through-hole sequencing tape for radial leaded components is a non-pocketed, side-by-side leaded packaging system manufactured using durable craft paper with three, four, or five hole configurations. While modern electronics favor surface mount technology, this older approach remains essential for aerospace, military, defense, and other long-service systems.
Explore product options and configurations at https://tapesplice.com/products/bandoliering/ and discover why this proven solution endures.
Old does not mean obsolete. It means proven.
