When a reel runs out of components, an Leader Tape Extenders allows connecting a new reel of components to the existing leader tape, ensuring that the pick-and-place machine can continue operating without interruption. This helps maintain production efficiency and minimizes downtime in assembly lines. The extender usually features a mechanism to securely attach the new tape to the existing one while maintaining the correct alignment and tension for smooth feeding.
Price range: $76.50 through $92.50
Sierra Electronics Leadertape Extenders give new life to partial reels with no usable leader, allowing your SMT feeder to pick the very first component at the correct pick position. Made in the USA using premium DuPont-grade adhesives, each extender provides a strong, stable cover layer that bonds cleanly to your existing carrier tape.
These extenders are compatible with all major pick-and-place platforms and deliver consistent indexing, smooth feeder engagement, and faster setup on short reels, re-runs, or high-mix production. Ideal for eliminating scrap starts, feeder mispicks, and downtime from leader-less reels.
“Pick from component one, every time.”
Chinese imports lack indicator lines, use inconsistent adhesive coating, and often misplace the adhesive zone—resulting in partial adhesion that fails under tension. Sierra’s precise application line guarantees full adhesive contact and exact placement every time.
Many partial reels arrive:
Without a leader, the operator must sacrifice 10–50 components just to load the reel. Sierra’s Leadertape Extenders eliminate this waste by giving operators a perfect leader instantly, making every reel ready for immediate placement.
Import leader tapes commonly:
Some imported leaders hold overnight but fail the moment the machine starts, causing unexpected downtime and lost production time.
Sierra Electronics Leadertape Extenders completely eliminate these problems.
Our extenders use:
The result is a leader that stays attached, regardless of reel diameter, feeder type, or tension level.
1. Prepare the Partial Reel
2. Expose the Adhesive Strip
The adhesive zone is uniform and ready for one-pass placement.
3. Use the Indicator Line for Perfect Placement
The indicator line guarantees you apply the extender in the exact position needed to utilize the entire adhesive surface.
Chinese imports do not include an indicator, leading to partial adhesion, crooked placement, and pop-off failures.
4. Secure the Bond
5. Load the Reel Onto the Feeder
6. Pre-Load Feeders the Night Before
Most SMT lines pre-load feeders the night before a build to save morning startup time.
| TE4-3.2504 | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 4mm, 18" long, 500pcs, color yellow |
| TE8-3.2505 | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 8mm, 18" long, 500pcs, color yellow |
| TE12-3.2507 | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 12mm 18" long, 500pcs, color yellow |
| TE16-3.2509 | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 16mm 18" long, 500pcs color yellow |
| TE24-3.2518 | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 24mm 18" long, 250pcs color yellow |
| TE32-3.2526 | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 32mm 18" long, 250pcs color yellow |
| TE44-3.2528 | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 44mm 18" long, 250pcs color yellow |
| TE56-3.2540 | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 56mm 18" long, 250pcs color yellow |
| TE8-56-3.41097 | SMD Leader tape extenders assorted sizes, for 8mm-100pcs for 12mm -100pcs for 16mm-100pcs for 24mm-50pcs for 32mm-50pcs for 44mm- 50pcs for 56mm- 50pcs, total of 500 pieces, color yellow |
| TE4-3.2504Red | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 4mm, 18" long, 500pcs, color red |
| TE8-3.2505Red | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 8mm, 18" long, 500pcs, color red |
| TE12-3.2507Red | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 12mm 18" long, 500pcs, color red |
| TE16-3.2509Red | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 16mm 18" long, 500pcs, color red |
| TE24-3.2518Red | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 24mm 18" long, 250pcs, color red |
| TE32-3.2526Red | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 32mm 18" long, 250pcs, color red |
| TE44-3.2528Red | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 44mm 18" long, 250pcs, color red |
| TE56-3.2540Red | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 56mm 18" long, 250pcs, color red |
| TE4-3.2504Blue | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 4mm, 18" long, 500pcs, color blue |
| TE8-3.2505Blue | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 8mm, 18" long, 500pcs, color blue |
| TE12-3.2507Blue | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 12mm 18" long, 500pcs, color blue |
| TE16-3.2509Blue | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 16mm 18" long, 500pcs, color blue |
| TE24-3.2518Blue | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 24mm 18" long, 250pcs, color blue |
| TE32-3.2526Blue | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 32mm 18" long, 250pcs, color blue |
| TE44-3.2528Blue | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 44mm 18" long, 250pcs, color blue |
| TE56-3.2540Blue | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 56mm 18" long, 250pcs, color blue |
| TE4-3.2504Black | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 4mm, 18" long, 500pcs, color black |
| TE8-3.2505Black | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 8mm, 18" long, 500pcs, color black |
| TE12-3.2507Black | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 12mm 18" long, 500pcs, color black |
| TE16-3.2509Black | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 16mm 18" long, 500pcs, color black |
| TE24-3.2518Black | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 24mm 18" long, 250pcs, color black |
| TE32-3.2526Black | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 32mm 18" long, 250pcs, color black |
| TE44-3.2528Black | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 44mm 18" long, 250pcs, color black |
| TE56-3.2540Black | SMD Leader Tape Extenders 56mm 18" long, 250pcs, color black |
We have manufactured a full range of high quality SMT Splicing Products for the contract and OEM manufacturing industry since 1998. Professional excellence is our game and we are committed to ongoing improvements in all aspects of the business.
We are the only tape splicing manufacturer in the United States and our headquarter location in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico allows us to meet tight delivery requirements to anywhere in North America.
We strive to ensure customer satisfaction with every purchase. If you are not fully satisfied with your order, you may return unused products in their original packaging. Please contact our customer service team to initiate the return process.
