If you’ve ever paused an SMT machine mid-shift just to reload a component reel, you already know how quickly lost time adds up. Every halt costs more than just minutes—it stacks up into missed targets, frustrated operators, and unnecessary rework. That’s where Double Splice Tape from Sierra Electronics’ TapeSplice line earns its keep.
It’s not flashy. It’s not complicated. But it’s fast, clean, and way more reliable than the patchwork fixes many shops still use.
Let’s unpack why this compact strip of adhesive tape is quietly becoming the MVP of surface-mount production teams.
What Is Double Splice Tape?
In the simplest terms, Double Splice Tape is a smart solution for joining the end of one SMT component tape to the beginning of another—without stopping your pick-and-place machine.
Instead of unloading a nearly-empty reel, resetting the feeder, and realigning everything, you slap on this double-sided adhesive strip, and keep going. No machine reset. No component loss. Just a seamless splice that the feeder rolls through like nothing happened.
The “double” part refers to its adhesive on both sides, letting it stick the top carrier tape from one reel directly to the next. Clean, tight, and smooth.
Why It’s a Game-Changer for SMT Production
Let’s talk output. The difference between a streamlined line and a sloppy one often comes down to small tools that remove friction from day-to-day tasks. Double Splice Tape does exactly that.
Here’s what you get:
- Zero machine downtime during splicing
- Smooth component flow across reels
- No need to reload feeders or stop the line
- Consistent adhesion, even during high-speed cycles
Instead of pulling reels, reloading tapes, and praying everything lines up again—you’re slicing and sticking in under 30 seconds. That’s the kind of shortcut even the busiest line techs will thank you for.
What Makes Sierra Electronics’ Tape Better?
You’ve probably seen a dozen splice tape products out there. Some promise universal compatibility. Others claim super-strength adhesion. But then you apply them—and five feet into your run, the tape lifts, the splice misaligns, and the machine chokes on the joint.
Sierra Electronics avoids that mess by getting the basics right:
- Perfectly cut edges for tape-to-tape alignment
- Reliable, pressure-sensitive adhesive that holds without peeling
- Color-coded variants for quick visual identification (8mm, 12mm, 16mm, etc.)
- 500-tape box count, so you don’t run short halfway through a shift
It’s made with precision in mind, but built for real shop conditions—gritty hands, noisy environments, and not-always-gentle handling.
How Does It Work?
The process is refreshingly simple:
- Let the first reel run low.
- Cut the tape cleanly at the end.
- Match up the new reel’s tape.
- Use Double Splice Tape to join the ends—top cover tape to top cover tape.
- Feed it straight through without resetting the machine.
There’s no need to mess with carrier guides, internal adjustments, or new feeder programming. The tape holds strong, feeds clean, and doesn’t mess with tension or alignment.
Who Benefits Most?
This isn’t a niche tool. It fits into any SMT environment where reels get changed—even better if you’re looking to scale throughput without expanding equipment.
It’s especially useful for:
- Contract manufacturers juggling multiple short-run jobs
- OEMs trying to squeeze more uptime from existing machines
- Line engineers focused on eliminating repeatable delays
- Manual feeders and automated pick-and-place systems alike
What Makes It Better Than Single Splice Tape?
You might be wondering, “Why not just use single-sided tape and be done with it?” The answer’s all in the feed.
Double Splice Tape gives a stronger, more uniform bond between the two tape ends. There’s no risk of the backing tape curling up or creating bumps where the feeder might catch or misplace a component.
It’s also easier to apply. No fiddling with extra shims or alignment tools. You line it up, stick, press, and go.
Real-World Durability
A lot of tape products sound good in spec sheets but don’t survive the realities of production: sweaty hands, feeder heat, constant stops, and rushed operators.
Sierra’s Double Splice Tape is built to stay flat, stay stuck, and stay invisible to the feeder. Even during high-speed pick rates, the tape won’t wrinkle, slip, or throw off the machine’s timing.
Plus, the bright yellow backing on the 8mm variant makes splice points easy to spot and verify during QA checks—no hunting or guesswork.
It Doesn’t Need Special Tools
Some splice tapes out there require all kinds of applicators, guides, or jigs. That’s fine in theory, until one of those tools gets lost or the new operator doesn’t know how to use it.
With Sierra’s Double Splice Tape, you don’t need anything beyond scissors and your hands. That simplicity keeps your team moving and reduces the learning curve for new staff.