19 Facts About Punch tape

The resulting paper Punch tape, called a "chain of cards", was stronger and simpler both to create and to repair.

The Punch tape reader used compressed air, which passed through the holes and was directed into certain mechanisms of the caster.

In computer numerical control machining applications, paper tape is uncommon, but some modern systems still measure the size of stored CNC programs in feet or meters, corresponding to the equivalent length if the data were actually punched on paper tape.

The bits on the narrower width of the Punch tape were generally the least significant bits, when the code was represented as numbers in a digital system.

The plastic Punch tape was sometimes transparent, but usually was aluminized to make it opaque enough for use in high-speed optical readers.

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Chad from oiled paper Punch tape was particularly problematic, as it tended to clump and build up, rather than flowing freely into a collection container.

Variation on the tape punch was a device called a Chadless Printing Reperforator.

Disadvantage to this technology was that, once punched, chadless tape did not roll up well for storage, because the protruding flaps of paper would catch on the next layer of tape so it could not be coiled up tightly.

However, the mechanical Punch tape readers used in most standard-speed equipment had no problem with chadless Punch tape, because they sensed the holes by means of blunt spring-loaded mechanical sensing pins, which easily pushed the paper flaps out of the way.

Paper Punch tape was an important storage medium for computer-controlled wire-wrap machines, for example.

The Punch tape was used for inventory tracking, recording department and class numbers of items sold.

The paper Punch tape canister is a tamper-resistant container that contains features to prevent undetected alteration of the contents.

The hole patterns of punched tape can be decoded by eye if necessary, and even editing of a tape is possible by manual cutting and splicing.

In cryptography applications, a punched tape used to distribute a key can be rapidly and completely destroyed by burning, preventing the key from falling into the hands of an enemy.

Rewinding a Punch tape required a takeup reel or other measures to avoid tearing or tangling the Punch tape.

In some uses, "fan fold" Punch tape simplified handling as the Punch tape would refold into a "takeup tank" ready to be re-read.

The information density of punched tape was low compared with magnet tape, making large datasets clumsy to handle in punched tape form.

Paper Punch tape loop controlling paper positioning in a IBM 1403 line printer .

Late-1970s heavy-duty tape punch used by the US National Security Agency for secret code distribution.