Abstract: A tape reel assembly for use in a tape drive system for winding and unwinding storage tape is disclosed. The tape reel assembly includes a plastic hub that defines a tape winding surface. In this regard, the hub is formed of microcellular foam.

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 a data storage tape cartridge is described. The tape reel assembly has a hub. The hub includes a cylindrical core, an annular arm, and a web. The cylindrical core defines a drive side and a top side. The annular arm is co-axially disposed exterior to and separated from the cylindrical core. Additionally, the annular arm defines a tape winding surface bisected by a center line into a top half opposite the drive side and a bottom half adjacent the drive side. The web extends from the top side of the core, and a web center connects to the annular arm at a point in the top half.