Three models in total — 26- and 30-reel boxes for 7-inch reels and a 33-reel box for 13-inch reels, each available in ESD PP alloy and ESD PP. Set the reel diameter first, then the reel count, then the resistance grade.

Figure 1  Yufa’s 3 existing ESD reel storage boxes (each available in an ESD PP alloy version and an ESD PP version): 26 / 30-reel boxes for Ø180 mm (7″) reels and a 33-reel box for Ø330 mm (13″) reels. Images are for illustration only; dimensions and load counts are governed by the respective product codes.

01 Applications | 02 The three models | 03 The 7-inch line | 04 The 13-inch line | 05 Resistance | 06 Size basis | 07 Product codes | 08 FAQ | 09 How to start

On an SMT line, where the taping reels go after they come off the pick-and-place machine is an easily overlooked link. Left loose in an ordinary tote box, reels rub against each other, carrier tape loosens, and the static picked up during handling discharges straight into the components. Yufa’s existing ESD injection-moulded series includes 3 reel storage boxes, all designed around two standard reel diameters — 7 inches (Ø180 mm) and 13 inches (Ø330 mm) — and each available in two ESD material versions: ESD PP alloy and ESD PP.

Rather than asking for a price first, the more efficient order is: confirm the reel diameter on your line → set the number of reels per box → match the resistance grade across the two material families. The 3 existing models cover the regular capacities of both lines; in most cases there is no need to move to a custom build.

1. What customers are really looking for when they search “ESD reel storage box”

Reel storage boxes are the smallest and most specialized category in the injection-moulded series: they are not selected by product shape but by reel diameter. Behind the search phrase “ESD reel storage box” is usually one of these scenarios:

• Returning reels after placement: leftover reels taken off the pick-and-place machine go back into storage — the questions are whether the diameter matches and how many reels one box holds.

• Line transfer: reels travel with a work order across the shop floor — the questions are how easily they can be taken out and whether the box survives repeated handling.

• Storage: boxes sit flat on racks or inside dry cabinets — the question is how the external size fits shelf heights and cabinet space.

• ESD compliance: customer audits require surface-resistance grades for storage equipment — the questions are the material family and the supporting documents.

All four scenarios share one prerequisite: the reel diameter comes first. The 7-inch and 13-inch boxes differ substantially in length and width — pick the wrong diameter and every size calculation after it is wasted.

2. The 3 models at a glance: two reel diameters × two material families

The 3 models split by reel diameter into two lines: 2 models for 7-inch reels (26-reel and 30-reel loads) and 1 model for 13-inch reels (33-reel load), each in two material versions (Table 1).

Listed one by one in Table 2. For each model the two material versions carry the same load count and the same net weight; they differ in material and resistance grade. The two versions of the 30-reel and 33-reel models differ slightly in external size, so quote from the version actually chosen.

Note: All sizes are nominal external dimensions. Internal dimensions are not listed in the catalogue — if the interior matters to your application, confirm the data at inquiry stage.

3. The 7-inch line: 26-reel and 30-reel boxes, the difference is box length

The 7-inch (Ø180 mm) reel is the most common SMT taping format, and both existing models target it, split into two load counts:

• 26-reel box: 410 × 190 × 110 mm — the ESD PP alloy version (R0726) and the ESD PP version (Small) share identical external dimensions.

• 30-reel box: the PP alloy version (R0730) measures 450 × 190 × 110 mm, the PP version (Medium) 460 × 190 × 110 mm — a 10 mm difference in box length with the same 30-reel load.

Which load count to choose depends on the leftover material on your work orders: lines running small batches across many part numbers carry fewer leftover reels, so the 26-reel box is more compact; warehouses that store and manage reels by the full roll get higher storage density from the 30-reel box. Both load counts come in both material versions, so the material can be decided last.

4. The 13-inch line: one 33-reel model

13-inch (Ø330 mm) reels carry ICs, connectors and other larger components in taped packaging. One existing model holds 33 reels:

• ESD PP alloy version R1333: 550 × 350 × 175 mm.

• ESD PP version Large: 560 × 357 × 177 mm.

The two versions are close in external size and both weigh 1.5 kg net — far heavier than the 0.4–0.6 kg of the 7-inch boxes. Consider the loaded weight, the shelf heights and the handling method together; do not judge by the reel count alone.

5. Resistance: two grades, bound to the version

Reel storage boxes share the two material families used across the injection-moulded series: ESD PP alloy with a surface resistance of 10⁴ – 10⁸ Ω, and ESD PP with 10⁵ – 10⁹ Ω. Both material versions exist under every load count, so choosing the material is purely a choice of resistance grade.

Check the surface-resistance range stated in the customer’s ESD specification first, confirm which grade it falls into, then return to Table 2 and pick the matching version. Until a TDS or test report supports the claim, conductive, permanent ESD or a specific standard number should not be used as selection criteria.

6. Size basis: nominal external dimensions, tolerance confirmed by model

The external dimensions in Table 2 are nominal values. Injection-moulded parts carry normal moulding tolerances; if the box must fit tightly with racks, dry cabinets or trolleys, send the tolerance requirements for the fitting dimensions along and confirm them by model before ordering.

The two material versions of the same model differ by up to 10 mm in external size (450 vs. 460 for the 30-reel box, for example). Plan storage locations from the dimensions of the version actually chosen, not from the load count.

7. Let the product code carry the inquiry

Once a matching model has been identified, sending the product code to Yufa is all it takes to move forward. The code carries the category, the material family and the external dimensions:

A product code shortens the communication path but does not replace project confirmation: the reel count, the resistance grade and the fitting dimensions are governed by the data confirmed at inquiry stage.

8. Frequently asked questions

Q: Can 7-inch and 13-inch reels be mixed in one box?

A: All 3 existing models are designed for a single reel diameter; the catalogue lists no mixed-load specification. If mixing is needed, send both diameters with their respective quantities and confirm it as a project.

Q: Can the boxes be stacked?

A: No. Reel storage boxes are designed for flat use — place them flat on a workbench or on racking, and calculate storage locations on a single-layer height.

Q: Are lids available?

A: None of the 3 existing models lists a lid option in the catalogue. If your process requires a lid, mention it in the inquiry and confirm it by model.

Q: How do I choose between the two resistance grades?

A: Follow the customer’s ESD specification. ESD PP alloy is 10⁴ – 10⁸ Ω and ESD PP is 10⁵ – 10⁹ Ω, with both versions available under every load count; common requirements within the 10⁵ – 10⁸ Ω range are covered by both grades. The resistance grade is verified model by model before ordering.

Q: What about minimum order quantities and pricing?

A: All 3 models are standard items and are normally in stock — there is no MOQ requirement. Pricing is calculated per order quantity: the more you order, the lower the unit price.

9. How to start the selection

If a close specification has already been identified in Table 2, simply send the product code and the estimated quantity; if not yet, give Yufa the following points:

• Reel diameter: 7-inch (Ø180 mm) or 13-inch (Ø330 mm), or the reel outer diameter and carrier-tape width directly

• Reels per box: the existing 26 / 30 / 33-reel loads, or another loading requirement

• Target ESD requirement: surface-resistance range or the customer’s audit standard

• Fitting dimensions: rack shelf heights, dry-cabinet interior or trolley deck, as constraints

• Estimated quantity

This closes the five-category walkthrough of Yufa’s ESD injection-moulded series — boxes, trays, sloping bins, component boxes and reel storage boxes. Read together, the five articles map out the selection logic for the whole SMT auxiliary packaging line.