Tape erase element included in a tape erase device to erase a tape medium

A tape device for erasing data on a tape medium mounted in the tape device, comprising:

• a tape erase element, comprising:
• a housing forming a gap extending along a length of an outer surface of the housing, wherein the gap extends from the outer surface of the housing to open into an inner space formed within the housing;
• and
• a magnet positioned within the inner space of the housing and having a surface extending across the gap, wherein the magnet produces a magnetic flux that extends through a tape contact zone extending across a portion of the outer surface of the housing and the gap to erase content on the tape medium;
• and
• tape guide rollers, wherein the tape erase element is positioned between at least two of the tape guide rollers, wherein the tape guide rollers are adapted to guide the tape medium across the tape contact zone where the magnetic flux erases content on the tape medium.