FR1902 Splice Tapes

What Are Splice Tapes?

Splice tapes are adhesive-backed tapes used to join two reels of SMT components together. This process is known as tape splicing, and it allows a new reel of components to be added without stopping the pick-and-place machine.

Splice tapes are widely used in high-volume electronics manufacturing to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and maximize machine utilization.

Purpose and Use

In SMT production:

• Components are supplied in carrier tapes wound on reels.

• When a reel runs out, rather than stopping the machine to reload, a new reel can be spliced to the end of the empty one.

• This keeps the machine running and avoids losing feeder calibration or placement alignment.

Types of Splice Tapes

1. Single splice tape

   • Just the adhesive tape for manual alignment

   • Requires precision for accurate splicing

2. Double splice tape

   • Has double-sided adhesive

   • Provides a stronger and more secure bond

3. Splice tape with clips or metal shims

   • Provides added strength and alignment assistance

   • Common in automatic splicing systems

4. Extender tapes (Leader tapes)

   • Used to create a leader or trailer on the tape for feeding through the feeder

5. Carrier tape alignment jigs/tools

   • Sometimes used with splice tapes to ensure perfect hole alignment and pitch continuity

Sizes and Compatibility

Splice tapes come in different sizes to match component tape widths:

• 8mm (most common for resistors, capacitors)

• 12mm

• 16mm

• 24mm

• 32mm and higher for larger components

They are available for paper tape, embossed plastic tape, and black carrier tape.

Benefits

• Keeps SMT lines running without interruption

• Saves machine setup time

• Reduces feeder wear and tear

• Improves efficiency and productivity

• Helps maintain accurate component placement

Buying Tips

• Match the splice tape width to your carrier tape

• Choose type based on splicing method (manual or automatic)

• If using machines for splicing, ensure tape is compatible with the system

• Check if your carrier tape is paper or plastic (embossed), as splice tape types vary