EN 60094-4:1994/A1:1994

Magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems - Part 4: Mechanical magnetic tape properties

EN following parallel vote

Systeme für Tonaufzeichnung und -wiedergabe auf Magnetband - Teil 4: Mechanische Eigenschaften von Magnetbändern

Systèmes d'enregistrement et de lecture du son sur bandes magnétiques - Partie 4: Propriétés mécaniques des bandes magnétiques

Magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems -- Part 4: Mechanical magnetic tape properties -Amendment A1 (IEC 60094-4:1986/A1:1994)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 25-Aug-1994
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Jun-1995
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 100X - Audio, video and multimedia systems and equipment and related sub-systems
• Drafting Committee: IEC/TC 100 - IEC_TC_100
• Parallel Committee: IEC/TC 100 - IEC_TC_100
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 26-Aug-1994
• Completion Date: 26-Aug-1994
• Ref Project: SIST EN 60094-4:1999/A1:1999 - Magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems -- Part 4: Mechanical magnetic tape properties

Relations

• Amends: EN 60094-4:1994 - Magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems - Part 4: Mechanical magnetic tape properties
• Effective Date: 29-Jan-2023

Overview

The EN 60094-4:1994/A1:1994 standard, titled Magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems - Part 4: Mechanical magnetic tape properties, provides essential guidelines for assessing the mechanical characteristics of magnetic tapes used in sound recording and playback. This standard, developed by the CLC in alignment with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specifications, focuses on ensuring the durability, performance, and reliability of magnetic tape media in professional and consumer audio systems.

Understanding these mechanical properties is crucial for manufacturers, users, and quality assurance professionals involved in the production and application of magnetic tape systems. The amendment A1 adds refined measurement methods and definitions that enhance the evaluation process of factors like transverse cupping and tensile properties of the tapes.

Key Topics

• Transverse Cupping
  Transverse cupping refers to the curvature across the width of the magnetic tape, which can be convex or concave. The standard defines precise measurement methods to determine this curvature radius, ensuring tape uniformity and compatibility with recording devices. Two primary methods are described:
  • Method A: Uses a rotating sector template and visual alignment with a lamp to find the matching curvature radius.
  • Method B: Utilizes optical principles with a concave mirror effect, employing tubular lamps and rollers to measure tape curvature by image sharpness.
• Tensile Testing and Modulus of Elasticity
  The standard defines tensile tests to measure the mechanical strength and elasticity of magnetic tapes. The modulus of elasticity-an optional but valuable parameter-is calculated to determine the tape’s ability to withstand tension without permanent deformation. This assists manufacturers and users in understanding the maximum forces the tape can safely endure during handling and playback.
  • Standardized test procedures specify the sample size, clamping distance, and speed of testing to ensure consistent and repeatable results.
  • The modulus of elasticity calculation considers forces applied and the tape’s linear expansion within the elastic limit (Hooke’s Law).

Applications

The standard EN 60094-4:1994/A1:1994 applies specifically to:

• Professional audio and broadcast magnetic tape production, ensuring tapes meet stringent mechanical specifications for use in studios, broadcasting, and archiving.
• Quality control in magnetic media manufacturing, where consistent mechanical properties prevent media failure during handling or playback.
• Design and maintenance of tape recording equipment, as mechanical tape behavior directly impacts device performance and media longevity.
• Research and development for new magnetic tape materials and formulations, aiding in testing mechanical improvements and durability characteristics.

By adhering to these established mechanical testing methods, product reliability is enhanced, reducing tape damage, playback errors, and equipment wear. This standard is crucial for anyone involved with magnetic tape technologies where sound recording integrity and tape durability are priorities.

Related Standards

• IEC 60094 series – Comprehensive standards covering magnetic tape systems including electrical and magnetic properties beyond mechanical aspects.
• ISO/IEC standards for audio and media recording – Cover various recording formats and media technologies, providing complementary guidelines for digital and analog systems.
• EN 60094 (base standard) – The original standard for magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems, with parts addressing mechanical, magnetic, and electrical characteristics.

Following EN 60094-4:1994/A1:1994 ensures harmonization with international practices, improving interoperability and quality across the audio recording industry. Whether developing new magnetic tape products or maintaining legacy systems, this standard serves as a vital reference for mechanical performance testing and compliance.

Keywords: magnetic tape mechanical properties, transverse cupping measurement, tensile tests magnetic tape, modulus of elasticity tape, sound recording media standards, EN 60094-4, IEC magnetic tape standards, professional audio tape quality.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-1999
Magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems -- Part 4: Mechanical
magnetic tape properties -Amendment A1 (IEC 60094-4:1986/A1:1994)
Magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing systems -- Part 4: Mechanical magnetic
tape properties
Systeme für Tonaufzeichnung und -wiedergabe auf Magnetband -- Teil 4: Mechanische
Eigenschaften von Magnetbändern
Systèmes d'enregistrement et de lecture du son sur bandes magnétiques -- Partie 4:
Propriétés mécaniques des bandes magnétiques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60094-4:1994/A1:1994
ICS:
33.160.30 Avdio sistemi Audio systems
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

NORME CEI
INTERNATIONALE IEC
94-4
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
AMENDEMENT 1
AMENDMENT 1
1994-07
Amendement 1
Systèmes d'enregistrement et de lecture du son
sur bandes magnétiques
Partie 4:
Propriétés mécaniques des bandes magnétiques
Amendment 1
Magnetic tape sound recording and
reproducing systems
Part 4:
Mechanical magnetic tape properties
Droits de reproduction réservés — Copyright — all rights reserved
© CEI 1994
Suisse
Bureau Central de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale 3, rue de Varembé Genève,
CODE PRIX Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
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International Electrotechnical Commission PRICE CODE
IEC MetsiavHapoaHas 3neeTpoTexuwiecnae tionnMCCHA
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur
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94-4 Amend. 1 © IEC – 3 –
FOREWORD
This amendment has been prepared by sub-committee 60A: Sound recording, of IEC
technical committee 60: Recording
The text of this amendment is based on the following documents:
DIS
Report on Voting
60A(CO)155 60A(C0)162
Full information on the voting for the approval of this amendment can be found in the
voting report indicated in the above table.
Page 15
5.4 Transverse cupping (for professional tapes only)
Replace the existing subclause by the following new subclause:
(optional)
5.4 Transverse cupping
Definitions
Transverse cupping is a continuous, transverse curvature (convex or concave), across the
full tape width.
It shall be measured as the radius of the curvature in the transverse direction of the tape
sample.
Method A
A tape sample of 30 cm in length is freely suspended from a clamp and placed between
the measuring equipment guides with its concave side facing the rotating template as
shown in figure 3, page 23.
The template has a sector periphery of various radii and is rotated until a sector of the
same radius as the tape is found.
A lamp is fitted to facilitate the measurement.
It is necessary to ensure that heat generated by the lamp does not influence the measurement.
Result
The radius of the tape curvature is derived from the relevant template sector and is
expressed in millimetres.
94-4 Amend. 1 © IEC – 5 –
Method B
For optical measurements the following principle may be applied:
The transversely cupped tape is regarded as a cylindrical concave mirror. It is illuminated
by a tubular lamp. The filament will concide with it
...