Increased recording density in magnetic recording has been achieved by
introducing newly developed magnetic tapes, such as metal particulate
tapes and metal-evaporated tapes. As a loss in magnetic recording inc
reases with spacing between a magnetic rape and a magnetic head, these
are obliged to contact each other. A tape also rubs tape-transportati
on elements in videotape recorders (VTRs), such as the stationary drum
and guide posts. Thus it is not too much to say that the development
of new magnetic tapes for practical application depends on tribologica
l research. In this paper, tribological analyses for the improvements
of durability and runnability of metal particulate tapes and metal-eva
porated videotapes are reviewed.