These SUN 003-3828-01 tapes are cleaning cartridges for use with LTO-1, LTO-2 and LTO-3. Cleaning tapes are required because although there is a limited form of self-cleaning in most modern tape drives, due to adverse environmental conditions and general usage of the tape there will always be some amount of dirt or grime that will be left behind. Thus to protect your tape drive and to ensure the continuing of the drive's performance, it is highly recommended by manufacturers that cleaning tapes be used.