TO, Socket Tubes
TO, Socket Tubes are extruded plastic channels designed specifically for packaging TO-series transistors, power modules, relays, and socketed components.
Where TO, Socket Tubes Fits
TO, Socket Tubes are extruded plastic channels designed specifically for packaging TO-series transistors, power modules, relays, and socketed components. They are made in PVC, PS, PC, PETG, and ABS with oval or square profiles matched to device body dimensions. The tubes protect components from electrostatic discharge, mechanical shock, dust, and moisture during transit and storage. Available in lengths from 50mm to 1000mm and wall thicknesses from 0.30mm to 1.85mm, they are used for both standard and custom device profiles including TO-220, TO-252, TO-263, TO-247, and 550 Mil and 600 Mil opto sockets. Critical dimension control ensures consistent fit and feed reliability.
The Case for TO, Socket Tubes
- Holds TO-series devices and socketed components in fixed orientation for direct feeding into tube feeders
- Anti-static protection via surface treatment or built-in additives to prevent ESD damage
- Wall thickness from 0.30mm to 1.85mm allows trade-off between material cost and drop resistance
- Critical dimension control within 5 mils on PVC and +/- 2 mils on PC ensures no jamming during feeding
- Lengths from 50mm to 1000mm cut to match the pitch of your machine magazine or carton
- Standard profiles ship in 5-15 days, reducing downtime when replacing a supplier
Typical Uses for TO, Socket Tubes
Shipping TO-220 and TO-252 power transistors from a semiconductor maker to an EMS plant
Feeding large socketed components like TO-263 and 600 Mil opto into automatic insertion machines
Protecting relays and switches during long-distance transport and warehouse storage
Re-packing bulk TO-series devices into fixed-count tubes for traceability and kitting
Holding fragile or heavy power modules that cannot be packed in tape and reel
The Buyer of TO, Socket Tubes
- Semiconductor and power module manufacturers packaging their own TO-series devices
- IC distributors re-packaging bulk TO-series components for resale
- EMS and SMT plants receiving TO-tube-packed devices and needing spares for re-work
- Relay and connector manufacturers shipping large-bodied components that exceed tape pocket limits
- Purchasing teams replacing a supplier whose tube profile no longer matches the device
TO, Socket Tubes Against the Failure Modes
- Devices jam mid-tube due to internal profile drift or dimensional inaccuracy
- Electrostatic discharge damages sensitive TO-series components during handling and transport
- Bulk-packed devices arrive in random orientation, requiring manual sorting and increasing labor cost
- Tubes crack on drop in transit, spilling components and damaging cartons
- Large or heavy devices like TO-263 and 600 Mil opto sockets cannot fit into standard tape and reel
- Anti-static performance fades after repeated wiping or long storage if only surface-treated
Inside the TO, Socket Tubes Specification
- Oval or square extruded profile matched to the device body and lead span
- Anti-static achieved by surface layer process or by additives built into the resin
- Internal profile designed to prevent piggybacking, shingling, and rotation
- Smooth internal surface for consistent device sliding without binding
- Good impact strength and drop resistance to survive carton handling
- Stable dimensions and consistent geometry across production runs
TO, Socket Tubes Data Sheet
Values are taken from the SEWATE product data for this item.
| Model Number | SE-IC-TO |
|---|---|
| Length | 50mm-1000mm or as customized |
| Wall Thickness | 0.30mm-1.85mm |
| Profile | Oval or square or customized |
| Material | PVC / PS / PC / PETG / ABS |
| Colour | Blue, white, black, transparent, red, yellow, purple and customized etc |
| 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’ requ |
| Capacity | 50000 pcs per week |
| Supply Ability | Monthly output of final products is 150 tons |
| Payment Terms | T/T, L/C, etc. |
| Place of Origin | Shenzhen, China |
| Lead Time | 5-15 days depending on quantity |
Choosing Material for TO, Socket Tubes
- PVC provides high strength, good flexibility, stable geometry, and long storage life, commonly used as the default for TO tubes
- PS is halogen free, easy to process, and low cost, but more brittle than PVC and ABS with lower impact strength
- PC is selected when the tube must survive high temperature or heavy handling, offering tight tolerance and high impact strength
- PETG is used when clarity and stable geometry are critical, even at higher cost
- ABS is used when impact strength is the priority over transparency
From Resin to Packed TO, Socket Tubes
- Review of the application, key design requirements, and tube functionality in the quotation
- Drawing created from the purchase order and issued for your approval before tooling
- Mould making and tooling trial on the approved profile
- Sample production with 20-50 free tubes for fit testing on your device
- Extrusion of the approved profile followed by cutting to the ordered length
- Anti-static treatment applied by surface layer process or built-in additive as specified
- Plug fitting, counting, and packing into cartons
Inspection of TO, Socket Tubes
- Critical dimension control within 5 mils on PVC tubes and +/- 2 mils on PC tubes to prevent jamming
- Fit testing of sample tubes against your device or drawing before mass production
- Anti-static value checked to ensure stability after handling and storage
- Drop and pressure tests performed on the tube body before packing
- Quality management system to ISO14001 with after-sales support on shipped lots
TO, Socket Tubes Options
- Tube length cut to your magazine or carton pitch from 50mm to 1000mm
- Internal profile designed from your tube drawing, device drawing, or a physical sample
- Material chosen from PVC, PS, PC, PETG, or ABS based on cost, clarity, and impact needs
- Colour selected from blue, white, black, transparent, red, yellow, purple, or customized
- Anti-static method specified as surface treated or additive loaded based on storage and handling
- Surface printing of symbols, part numbers, or handling marks available
- Closure chosen from rubber end plugs, plastic pins, nails, plastic caps, or EPE plugs
When Not to Use TO, Socket Tubes
| Tape and reel | Tubes handle larger and heavier TO-series devices 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 device and load directly into tube feeders |
| Bulk bag packing | Tubes cost more per unit than bulk bags but eliminate random orientation, ESD exposure, and manual loading time |
| Standard stock tubes | Custom profiles require one-time tooling and 4-6 weeks, but stock profiles ship in 5-15 days and only fit devices the profile was drawn for |
Handling and Storing TO, Socket Tubes
- Send a tube drawing, device drawing, or a physical sample so the internal profile can be matched
- If no drawing exists, send the physical component so the profile can be measured
- Confirm length against the magazine on your insertion or placement machine before tooling
- Specify whether anti-static must survive repeated wiping and long storage to select the right treatment
- Choose the closure type: rubber plugs for repeated opening, pins for one-way shipping
- Store tubes flat and dry in cartons, away from direct sunlight to prevent deformation
- Plan for one-time tooling cost and 4-6 weeks lead time when ordering a new custom profile
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Background reading before you specify to, socket tubes.
How Anti Static IC Tubes Are Made From PVC
The process starts with PVC resin fed into an extruder.
Read Guide
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
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 to, socket tubes is used in production.
Connectors Relays And Switches
Connectors, relays, terminal blocks, switches and power modules are too large or heavy for standard tape and reel packaging.
See Application
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 ApplicationWhat Buyers Ask About TO, Socket Tubes
What is the minimum order quantity for TO, Socket Tubes?
10000 pieces on standard profiles. The high MOQ is due to extrusion setup: a run must be long enough to justify the changeover, so short runs cost more per tube than they save.
How long does a stock tube order take?
5-15 days depending on quantity. Samples for fit testing are delivered in 3-5 days.
What does a custom tube profile cost in time?
One-time tooling setup is required. A basic low volume project can be 25-day ARO, typical lead time is 4-6 weeks, and complex or high volume tools can take 10-12 weeks.
What do you need from me to quote a TO tube?
One of: a tube drawing, a device drawing, or a physical sample. If none exists, send the physical component and the profile is measured from it.
Which material should I choose?
PVC is the standard default for strength, stability, and long storage. PS is halogen free and cheaper but more brittle. PC and ABS are used for high impact or temperature resistance. PETG is chosen when clarity and stable geometry are critical.
Is the anti-static property permanent?
It depends on the method. Surface layer treatment can degrade with repeated wiping and long storage. Additives built into the resin maintain anti-static performance longer. Specify your storage duration and handling to select the right option.
Do the tubes come with plugs?
Yes. Rubber end plugs, plastic pins, nails, plastic caps, and EPE plugs are available and selected based on the tube profile and how often the tube is opened.
Send the Device and Get TO, Socket Tubes Quoted
A drawing, a sample or the physical component is enough. Sales and engineering come back within 24 hours.