1934 / Magnetic Audio Tape

Audio tape, video tape and data carriers used in the area of information technology, they all share a common characteristic. They are basically magnetic tapes. BASF plays a significant role in developing them.

In doing so, it combines the expertise from different areas of work into a new ground-breaking development. Since 1924, extremely fine carbonyl iron powder has been produced in Ludwigshafen to make induction coils for telephone cables. The ability to produce extremely fine dispersion originates from the experience of making dyes and, ultimately, the new plastics lend themselves as a carrier medium.

The first 50,000 meters of magnetic audio tape are supplied to the electronics corporation AEG in 1934. A year later, AEG presents the first tape recorder to the public. The magnetic tape made by BASF represents its essential component.