In Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing, sustained machine uptime isn’t optional — it’s a direct contributor to throughput, yield, and profitability. An overlooked but essential element is the SMT splice tape used for continuous reel-to-reel feeding. The right splice improves placement accuracy and keeps productivity high; the wrong one guarantees feeder stops, mispicks, or costly rework.
This guide outlines the engineering criteria that matter most when selecting splice tape – based on more than three decades of real-factory experience at Sierra Electronics.
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Component mass & placement speed | Use reinforced splice tape with brass shims for heavier components, 0201/0402 parts, or high-speed placement heads. |
| Assembly line speed | Single-sided tape excels on fast pick-and-place lines; double-sided tape is better for slower processes requiring added adhesion strength. |
| Carrier tape construction | Plastic carrier (PS/PC/PET) = higher rigidity and more reliable splicing. Paper is cost-effective for lightweight components. |
| Machine compatibility | Ensure tape geometry matches your platform (Panasonic, Fuji, Mydata, Juki, ASM, Yamaha). |
| Alignment & tension stability | Select alignment-edge splice tapes or shim clips for older feeders or demanding high-speed servo systems. |
| Environmental compliance | Choose RoHS-compliant materials for global electronics quality requirements. |
1. Compatibility is Non-Negotiable
Match splice tape width to carrier & feeder:
See compatible sizes here: SMT Splice Tape Sizes
A single millimeter mismatch guarantees:
2. Adhesion Type: Single vs. Double
| Type | Best Use Case | Benefit | Product Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single splice tape | Mid-speed lines | Cost-efficient splicing | https://tapesplice.com/product-category/smd-single-splice-tape-rolls/ |
| Double splice tape | High-speed or heavy-component lines | Reinforced adhesion & tension control | https://tapesplice.com/product-category/smt-double-splice-tape/ |
3. Static Safety: Protect Sensitive Devices
Specify ESD-safe materials to eliminate electrostatic failures:
https://tapesplice.com/product-category/smd-esd-products/
4. Alignment and Shim Reinforcement
To improve tension and avoid pick errors:
https://tapesplice.com/product-category/smt-splice-shims-clips/
As the only U.S. manufacturer of genuine SMT splice tapes and tools, Sierra Electronics delivers:
Explore the products trusted for high-speed Panasonic, Fuji, ASM, Yamaha & Juki feeders: https://tapesplice.com/product-category/smt-splice-tools/
A weak splice becomes the weakest link in your SMT production. The right splice tape maximizes:
✔ Throughput
✔ Placement accuracy
✔ Equipment life
✔ Cost efficiency
