Comment by ChuckMcM

Great story! FWIW this is kind of the origin story for Mylar "paper tape" as well. When paper tape started being used for controlling machine tools (the NC in CNC), the paper tape would not hold up well in a shop. It could get grease or water on it which would compromise its integrity and then it would tear. So a "stronger" paper tape was created but it had to be compatible with older paper tape reader/punches. It was great stuff.