On Wed, Mar 8, 2023 at 1:39 PM Chuck Guzis via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
wrote:
On the subject of 1/2" open-reel tape, I
note that the tapes initially
used with the IBM 726 drive (1952) used a cellulose acetate base. In
1956, a switch was made to Mylar. That's unfortunate, since early
existing 726 tapes have almost certainly rotted away due to vinegar
syndrome.
I have what appears to be a stainless steel UNIVAC tape. It isn't
crumbling away into dust anytime soon.
Heavy bugger,no?
Nickel-plated Vicalloy (a type of phosphor-bronze).
--Chuck