Making prototypes creates a problem for everybody, primarily because of the wastage involved in buying small quantities of tape-and-reeled components. Nevertheless, for 0603 passive components, buying parts on tape is the only viable option. Fortunately, some distributors realise the need to sell fewer than 4,000 parts on a reel and offer smaller quantities with long leader tapes.
These small components would probably be available both in three-layer paper tape and two-layer (cavity) plastic tape: if the former, then there are possible quality consequences of which you should be aware.
For the single packaged IC, small quantities may be available in a tube or on a tray ,and both these are good ways of handling parts for hand assembly. As the IC package is an SOJ, the tube packaging will give a very satisfactory solution at minimal cost.
For volume manufacture, most contractors will choose taped parts. However, particularly if the values you choose are standards, some assemblers may have the ability to use components in bulk cases, and this will give economic and environmental advantages.
Bulk cases may not, however, be an acceptable solution for resistors, because you would have to accept the fact that they may be mounted with the marking hidden underneath the component, rather than visible. Whether this is acceptable depends on the design of the component metallisation and on the requirements of your quality department and customer.
For volume use, the SOJ integrated circuit will be available in a cavity style of tape package, which will be much cheaper and easier to use than sticks or trays.
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