IC Component Tubes
IC Component Tubes are extruded plastic channels designed to hold electronic components such as ICs, relays, switches, connectors, sensors, power modules, LEDs, and medical instruments in a fixed orientation during shipping and processing.
Where IC Component Tubes Fits
IC Component Tubes are extruded plastic channels designed to hold electronic components such as ICs, relays, switches, connectors, sensors, power modules, LEDs, and medical instruments in a fixed orientation during shipping and processing. Made from PVC, PS, PETG, PC, or ABS, they are available in oval or square profiles, with wall thickness from 0.30mm to 1.85mm, and lengths from 50mm to 1000mm. These tubes provide ESD protection, mechanical stability, and consistent internal dimensions to prevent jamming and damage. Standard profiles are available from over a thousand open tools, while custom profiles can be developed for through-hole, SMT, and leadless packages like QFN, MLF, and LPCC.
The Case for IC Component Tubes
- Holds components in fixed orientation to prevent misfeed in tube feeders
- Critical dimension control within 5 mils on PVC, +/- 2 mils on PC for high-precision fit
- Good impact strength ensures tubes remain crack-free after drop or carton handling
- Smooth internal surface allows devices to slide without binding or friction
- Available in multiple materials to match environmental, clarity, and durability needs
- Short lead time of 5-15 days for standard profiles, 4-6 weeks for custom tooling
- Supports high-speed automated loading and unloading with accurate alignment
Typical Uses for IC Component Tubes
Shipping ICs and passive components from a semiconductor maker to an overseas EMS
Protecting relays and switches during transport between a component supplier and an assembly plant
Holding power modules and sensors in a fixed orientation for SMT pick and place
Storing long-lead components in buffer stock without orientation loss or ESD damage
Re-packing bulk devices into fixed-count tubes for traceability and kitting
Handling heavy or large packages like ceramic TOs and microprocessor heat sinks
The Buyer of IC Component Tubes
- IC distributors re-packaging bulk components for their customers
- Semiconductor and passive component manufacturers packaging finished goods
- EMS and SMT plants receiving tube-packed parts and needing spares for rework
- Relay, switch, and connector makers shipping components too large for tape and reel
- Medical instrument and LED producers requiring ESD-safe, stable packaging
- Purchasing teams replacing a supplier whose tube profile no longer matches the device
IC Component Tubes Against the Failure Modes
- Devices jam mid-tube due to inconsistent internal profile or dimensional drift
- ESD damage occurs during handling and transit when protection fails
- Components arrive in random orientation, increasing manual loading time
- Tubes crack on drop, spilling contents and risking contamination
- Large or heavy packages cannot be held in tape and reel systems
- Anti-static performance degrades after repeated handling or wiping
- Inconsistent tube dimensions cause piggybacking, shingling, or rotation in feeders
Inside the IC Component Tubes Specification
- Oval or square extruded profile matched to the device body and lead span
- Internal profile designed to prevent device rotation, piggybacking, and shingling
- Critical dimension control within 5 mils on PVC, +/- 2 mils on PC for tight tolerance
- Good impact strength and drop resistance for reliable transport in cartons
- Smooth internal surface for consistent device movement without binding
- Available in transparent, clear, or translucent finishes for visual inspection
- Rubber end plugs, plastic pins, nails, caps, or EPE plugs available as closures
- Surface printing of part numbers, symbols, or handling marks possible
IC Component Tubes Data Sheet
Values are taken from the SEWATE product data for this item.
| Model Number | SE-IC-017 |
|---|---|
| Material | PVC / PS / PETG / PC / ABS |
| Thickness | 0.30mm-1.85mm |
| Shape | Oval or square or customized |
| Dimension Control | Within 5 mils on PVC, +/- 2 mils on PC |
| Certification | RoHS |
| MOQ | 10000 pieces |
| Sample Time | 3-5 days or according to customers’ requirements |
| Lead Time | 5-15 days or depend on quantity |
| Capacity | 50000 pcs per week |
| Supply Ability | Monthly output of final products is 150 tons |
| Packaging | Cartons or as custom |
| Payment Terms | T/T, L/C, etc. |
Choosing Material for IC Component Tubes
- PVC provides high strength, good flexibility, stable geometry, and long storage life; standard for most IC tubes
- PS is halogen free, low cost, and offers improved clarity and impact strength over standard plastics
- PETG has the strongest impact strength and excellent clarity; ideal for heavy-duty and large packages
- PC offers tight dimensional tolerance of +/- 2 mils, high impact strength, and clarity; suited for MSOP and TSSOP packages
- ABS is used when impact resistance is critical, though transparency is lower than PC or PETG
From Resin to Packed IC Component Tubes
- Review of application requirements and tube function in the quotation stage
- Drawing created from purchase order and issued for customer approval before tooling
- Mould making and tooling trial on the approved profile
- Sample production with 20-50 free tubes for fit testing on the actual device
- Extrusion of the approved profile followed by cutting to the ordered length
- Anti-static treatment applied via surface layer or built-in additive as specified
- Plug fitting, counting, and packing into cartons as per customer packaging requirement
Inspection of IC Component Tubes
- Critical dimension control within 5 mils on PVC tubes and +/- 2 mils on PC tubes
- Fit testing of sample tubes against the actual device or drawing before mass production
- Anti-static value verified to remain stable after handling and storage
- Drop and pressure tests conducted on tube bodies before packing
- ISO14001 quality management system in place with after-sales support on shipped lots
IC Component Tubes Options
- Tube length cut to match the pitch of your magazine or carton, from 50mm to 1000mm
- Internal profile designed from your tube drawing, device drawing, or physical sample
- Material selected from PVC, PS, PETG, PC, or ABS based on cost, clarity, and impact needs
- Colour chosen from transparent, clear, translucent, or custom options for line identification
- Anti-static method specified as surface treatment or additive-loaded resin
- Surface printing of part numbers, symbols, or handling marks as required
- Closure type selected from rubber end plugs, plastic pins, nails, caps, or EPE plugs
When Not to Use IC Component Tubes
| Tape and reel | Tubes handle larger, heavier, or leadless packages that tape pockets cannot hold, but tape is better for high-volume SMD placement |
|---|---|
| Vacuum formed trays | Trays offer better protection for fragile or fine-pitch packages, but tubes cost less per unit and load directly into tube feeders |
| Bulk bag packing | Bags are cheaper per unit but expose parts to ESD, dust, and random orientation; tubes eliminate these risks |
| Standard stock tubes | Stock profiles ship in 5-15 days but only fit devices they were designed for; custom profiles require 4-6 weeks but match unique device profiles exactly |
Handling and Storing IC Component Tubes
- Send a tube drawing, device drawing, or physical sample so the internal profile can be matched
- If no drawing exists, send the physical component for profile measurement
- Confirm tube length against the magazine pitch on your insertion or placement machine
- Specify whether anti-static must survive repeated wiping and long storage to select the right treatment
- Choose the closure type: rubber plugs for repeated use, pins for one-way shipping
- Store tubes flat and dry in cartons, away from direct sunlight to avoid deformation
- Plan for one-time tooling cost and 4-6 weeks lead time when developing a new custom profile
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Background reading before you specify ic component tubes.
Vacuum Formed Trays For Component Packaging
Vacuum formed trays are made by heating a plastic sheet, stretching it over a mold, and pulling it down with vacuum pressure.
Read Guide
How Anti Static IC Tubes Are Made From PVC
The process starts with PVC resin fed into an extruder.
Read Guide
Materials For Anti Static IC Tubes
IC shipping tubes are made from several plastics including PVC, PS, PET, PC, and ABS.
Read GuideWhere It Is Used
Where ic component tubes is used in production.
LED And Optoelectronics
SEWATE supplies anti-static carrier tape and reel, cover tape, and anti-static tubes for LEDs and optoelectronic devices, including modules, diodes, filters, relays, switches, fuses, transformers, magnetic components, and inductors.
See Application
Semiconductor And IC Distribution
IC distributors and semiconductor plants handle devices that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge, mechanical shock, and orientation changes during transit.
See ApplicationWhat Buyers Ask About IC Component Tubes
What is the minimum order quantity for IC Component Tubes?
10000 pieces for standard profiles. The MOQ reflects the setup cost of extrusion: short runs are not cost-effective due to changeover time and material waste.
How long does a standard tube order take?
5-15 days depending on quantity. Samples for fit testing are delivered in 3-5 days.
What is the lead time for a custom tube profile?
A basic low volume project can be 25-day ARO, typical lead time is 4-6 weeks, and complex or high-volume tools take 10-12 weeks.
What do you need to quote a custom tube?
One of: a tube drawing, a device drawing, or a physical sample. If none exists, send the actual component for profile measurement.
Which material should I choose for my application?
PVC is standard for strength and stability. PS is halogen free and clearer. PETG has the highest impact strength. PC offers tight tolerances and clarity. ABS is best for impact resistance.
Is the anti-static property permanent?
It depends on the method. Surface treatments can degrade with wiping or long storage. Additives built into the resin maintain anti-static performance longer. Specify your storage and handling needs.
Do the tubes come with end closures?
Yes. Rubber end plugs, plastic pins, nails, caps, and EPE plugs are available and selected based on the tube profile and how often it will be opened.
Send the Device and Get IC Component Tubes Quoted
A drawing, a sample or the physical component is enough. Sales and engineering come back within 24 hours.