Abstract: A tape reel assembly for a tape drive system component, such as a data storage tape cartridge, is described that includes a hub. The hub defines an inner surface and a tape winding surface, and at least a portion of the hub is made of plastic. The tape winding surface has an effective radial modulus of greater than 0.3 million pounds-per-square-inch.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for maintaining a data storage tape. The tape reel assembly includes a hub ring, an engagement section, a metallic ring and opposing flanges. The hub ring defines a tape-winding surface and forms a central opening. The engagement section extends substantially radially inwardly relative to the tape-winding surface and includes an inner surface, an outer surface and an annular flange. The annular flange extends substantially axially from the outer surface and defines an axial passage. The metallic ring is secured to the outer surface of the engagement section and has an inner diameter. In this regard, the inner diameter of the metallic ring is greater than a diameter of the axial passage such that the annular flange extends axially within the inner diameter of the metallic ring. Finally, the opposing flanges extend radially from opposite ends of the hub ring, respectively.