SMT Leader Tape Extenders Products

Leadertape Extenders for Partial Reels

When component distributors ship partial reels – like Digi-Reel® or MouseReel® formats — the cover tape is often too short for the SMT feeder to index the first few components. Operators end up throwing away perfectly good parts just to start the machine.

That waste is unacceptable in today’s environment where OEMs ship exact counts and shortages are common.

Sierra Electronics Leadertape Extenders (also called Covertape Extenders) solve the problem instantly.

They give partial reels a brand-new, fully functional leader that ensures:

  • The very first component is pickable
  • Feeder engagement is smooth and accurate
  • No scrap start-ups, no mispicks, no unplanned downtime

“Partial reels become fully production-ready — in seconds.”

Made in the USA — Built for High-Value SMT Equipment

Sierra Electronics manufactures our extenders in Santa Fe, New Mexico using:

  • Premium DuPont-grade adhesives
  • Static-dissipative ESD cover film compatible with all SMT feeders
  • Precision-aligned adhesive zone with a printed placement indicator line
  • Tight adhesive mass tolerance control (no ghosting or bubbling)

Cheap offshore tapes cut corners everywhere:

Sierra Electronics Bargain Imports
Accurate adhesive zone Partial adhesive → pop-offs
Indicator line for proper placement No placement alignment
Clean peel & bond Residue & delamination
ESD-safe Unknown materials
USA traceability No QC documentation

Why Cover-Tape Extenders Are Essential

Partial reels frequently arrive:

  • With no leader
  • With a torn or damaged leader
  • With a leader shorter than feeder preload requirement

Without a leader, operators must waste 10–50 components just to mount the reel.

That is real money lost — especially with defense, medical, and automotive components.