Back to ProductsImation's reputation began nearly 50 years ago since the first development of IBM commercial tape in 1953. As computer and data storage technology advanced, Imation led the delivery of the media for the most innovative and reliable data centre solutions including 3490E, 3590, SD-3 and 9490EE tape cartridges. When StorageTek needed a partner to develop their media, Imation was the preferred choice. Now, Imation produces Black Watch™ 9840 Tape Cartridges, the most rapidly adopted half-inch tape cartridge technology in history. So as IBM and StorageTek continue to develop new technology, Imation will lead the way in media development.
Patented Technologies:
Servo Writing & Advanced MP Tape
At Imation, we constantly strive to meet the demanding needs of data centres. Our newest innovations, servo writing and advanced MP tape, raise the benchmark in tape performance. Servo writing provides more precise tracking control, while advanced MP tape allows high-density formatting and long-lasting, high-quality recording. Together, these two advancements help create a more efficient data centre.
Servo Writing, the creation of the industry's best servo writing system is an Imation core competency. When it comes to increasing capacity with more tracks per tape and improving "on-track" performance, Imation is the technology leader. The servo tracking system offers one of the most innovative ways to increase data capacity and improve cartridge and drive capabilities.
Black Watch™--Protect Against Wound-in Debris with Backcoating
Black Watch™ tape features a proprietary back-coating that not only helps protect against static electricity, but is compressible and its flexible tape design adds another layer of protection. With conventional tape, when a dust particle or piece of debris is embedded in the media, it is more susceptible to impressions and scratches. This heightens distortion and increases the chance for errors. Imation's backcoating is more flexible, enabling it to absorb the debris safely while decreasing the chance for errors.
Precision Tape Spool Reduces Track Errors. A precision tape spool design featured in Black Watch Tape Cartridges ensures even tape winding. In concert with the textured backcoating, the precision tape spool improves tape stacking and defends against edge damage. With higher edge integrity, expect up to 72 percent fewer single track errors on the first track of tape.
The most innovative solutions enhance performance. In the data centre, our focus on enhancing data integrity led Imation to the development of a proprietary backcoating. Through research, Imation had discovered the harmful effects of static electricity on tape performance. Static electricity attracts dust and airborne debris which can damage the tape. With backcoating, the tape repels static's electricity. And because all backcoated products are textured, inter-layer slippage is minimized. By lessening the tape movement, a higher level of day-to-day performance results and superior archival properties and achieved.
FlashGard™
Stronger Cartridge with FlashGard™ Weld.From tape to shell, Imation innovation helps secure your data. Our patented FlashGard welding process used to manufacture Imation tape cartridges creates a "wall within a wall" inside the cartridge. This wall traps weld debris or "flash", keeping it away from the tape pack, and enhances overall shell strength. And because it is stronger, if the cartridge is dropped, it won't be as susceptible to damage. With fewer broken shells, your data centre will experience a decrease in work interruptions and save time and money.
We use "burn-in"- a specialized procedure that monitor tape samples exposed to high temperatures and humidity - to reveal any latent defects during manufacture, before they pose a threat to your valuable data. Because we are confident in our quality, we guarantee all our tapes against manufacturing defects. Such dedication at all our manufacturing facilities has allowed us to maintain an ISO 9002 rating.