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 are available in standard 18-inch lengths and extended lengths of 24, 36, and 48 inches for both modern and legacy pick-and-place systems. The extender attaches directly to the top covertape of a partial reel, allowing seamless loading, accurate indexing, and reliable first-component pickup.
Each extender includes:
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.
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.
Seamless Integration:
Easily connects with standard leader tapes, providing a smooth extension for uninterrupted operations.
Durable Construction:
Made from high-quality, robust materials, ensuring reliability under stress and throughout extended use.
Minimize Downtime:
Quickly add extra length to leader tapes, preventing costly halts and keeping your production lines moving.
Precision Design:
Perfectly matches standard leader tape specifications for easy compatibility and hassle-free setup.
Enhanced Productivity:
Maintain continuous operations without having to stop and replace leader tapes, boosting overall efficiency.
Ideal for High-Speed Environments:
Designed for use in electronics manufacturing, PCB assembly, and other high-precision industries.
Cost-Effective Solution:
Avoid the expense of replacing reels by extending their life with Leader Tape Extenders, saving both time and money.
| 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 |
Leader Tape Extenders are designed to extend the length of your leader tapes so that you can continue working uninterrupted in SMT production lines even when the original tape reel is running low.
Simply attach the extender to your existing leader tape. No reconfiguration or stopping the production line is necessary—plug and go.
Yes, Leader Tape Extenders Standard are designed to work with most standard leader tapes, creating a secure and effective bond.
These extenders are constructed of high-quality material, so they will withstand stress and extended use without breaking. They’re built to last and perform in high-speed applications.
Yes. Leader Tape Extenders Standard are designed for high-speed environments and are therefore highly suitable for electronics manufacturing, PCB assembly, and other high-precision applications.
No. The extenders are designed to be simple to implement in your existing operation so that you can extend the tape without halting production or reloading tapes.
Yes. By extending the life of your leader tapes, you avoid the cost of replacing reels altogether, so the extenders represent an economical solution that keeps your line in production.
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.
