Sound like a batch of tapes with slurry issues. I have run across this
one a few occasions. Usually the shedding has been pretty light, with
most of the oxide coming from the edges.

I've never experienced flaking with these tapes, though-just some light
shedding. Richard Hess will probably have some better info.

Scott D. Smith CAS
Chicago Audio Works, Inc.

--Scott

On 2/16/2012 9:01 AM, Ruane, Tom wrote:
> Hi,
>
>
>
> We've got some AGFA PE46 tapes that are shedding a brownish/yellow
> 'powder' when played back. The layers of the tape aren't adhering to
> each other or squealing, but the shedding particles are magnetic so
> presumably it's the actual oxide. There are no obvious physical defects
> that I can see other than the oxide layer having 'streaky' parallel
> lines running the length of the tape. It seems to be affecting about
> one in fifteen, with the others playing back okay.
>
>
>
> The batches of tapes are from the same recordist and have presumably
> been stored in a similar condition, he's also made a note on several
> tapes stating 'cleaned of powder' or 'powdery' about a year after they
> were recorded (1970's).
>
>
>
> Any ideas what the problem might be?
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Tom
>
>
>
>
>