Single splice shims are precision metal alignment components used during SMT carrier tape splicing to maintain sprocket hole pitch, tape stability, and feeder indexing accuracy at the splice joint.
They are installed between two carrier tape ends during a splice to mechanically reinforce the connection and preserve feeder compatibility.
Single splice shims function as mechanical interfaces between SMT carrier tape and feeder sprocket systems. Their primary role is to ensure uninterrupted tape advancement by maintaining consistent geometry across a splice point, where stiffness and alignment are most vulnerable to variation.
Because SMT feeders rely on fixed mechanical tolerances, splice shims must be manufactured to precise dimensional standards to avoid indexing errors and feeder disruptions.
They are typically installed using mechanical tape splicing tools with alignment pins and controlled crimping mechanisms.
At the splice point, carrier tape experiences:
Single splice shims compensate for these conditions by stabilizing the tape and preserving sprocket alignment, reducing the risk of feeder jams, mispicks, and placement errors.
Single splice shims are produced using different manufacturing processes, including:
Only precision die cutting consistently controls:
Lower-precision methods commonly introduce dimensional variation that affects feeder performance.
Single splice shims are commonly manufactured from:
Material choice affects hardness, deformation behavior, and interaction with hardened feeder components.
Material composition must be evaluated alongside manufacturing accuracy.
Edge and hole geometry are functionally critical, not cosmetic.
Poor edge quality can result in:
Rounded, clean edges reduce mechanical resistance and improve feeder longevity.
SMT feeders tolerate minimal deviation in:
Even small dimensional variations at the splice point can propagate into:
Because the splice point already represents a geometric transition, errors are amplified at this location.
Poorly manufactured splice shims typically contribute to:
These effects accumulate over time and are often misattributed to feeder age or maintenance issues.
Components used at splice points must maintain compliance with these dimensional frameworks.
Single splice shims are precision mechanical alignment components used in SMT carrier tape splicing to maintain sprocket pitch, feeder indexing accuracy, and tape stability at splice points. Their performance depends on manufacturing method, tooling accuracy, material composition, and edge geometry. Small dimensional variations at the splice point can cause feeder mispicks, jams, and long-term equipment wear.
