The IBM 3592 tape cartridge contains an advanced fourth-generation metal particle formulation in a dual layer coating on a half-inch-wide tape. The IBM tape uses an advanced magnetic coating and process designed to provide a high output and signal quality. The tape features an ultra-smooth and uniform magnetic layer less than 0.2 microns thick and a specially refined coating formulation designed to help improve media reliability and performance as well as minimize wear of the tape heads and components.