How to Use Splicing Methods to Improve SMT Machine Efficiency

Increasing Productivity, Efficiency and Costs

How to Implement Splicing in Your SMT Factory

By utilizing the advantageous methods of tape splicing with splicing tools to join component reels together, you reduce the need to reload feeders. In addition, leader tape extenders add extra length to a part reel reducing the waste of components, thus saving costs, materials, and time. Splicing shouldn't only be considered when components run out - tape splicing should also be considered when you have to pull a part reel from stock, swap it across machines with different feeders, or when the tape snaps.

Don't let splicing be an after thought for your machines that do not allow feeder removal and replacement during machine operation. Consider if you can implement splicing ahead of time to improve operation efficiency. Ask these questions: 1) Does your machine have the ability to recognize that a feeder has been removed? 2) What are the pros to adding tape splicing to your process?

Benefits of Splicing:

• Increased throughput of pick & place machinery.

• A reduction in downtime through reducing reel changes.

• Decreased component cost by using 100% of the components on a reel.

How to SPLICE 8 MM PAPER in SMT. PRE SPLICING (for all carrier tape sizes):

1. Determine which pins to use to avoid cutting into a pocket.
2. Make sure the pocket is toward the center of the cutter. (This wilallow for the biggest cutting area.)
3. Peel back the Mylar up to the first full pocket.
4. Cut the carrier tape on a new reel, making sure not to leave empty pockets and not to
5. Cut through the Mylar.
6. Cut the Mylar leaving a small tab.

SPLICING:

1. Cut the carrier tape in the feeder, making sure not to leave empty pockets.
2. Peel backing on splice tape.
3. Line up the dimples on the splice tape with the holes in the carrier tape in the feeder.
4. Line up the dimples on the new reel, making sure to mate up the ends and line up the Mylar tab.
5. Fold over tape and press with fingers.
6. Remove clear plastic.

SPLICING EMBOSSED TAPE

PRE SPLICING (for all carrier tape sizes):

Determine which pins to use to avoid cutting into pocket. Make sure the pocket is toward the center of the cutter. (This will allow for the biggest cutting area).

1. Cut the carrier tape on a new reel, making sure to leave one empty pocket.
2. Lift the Mylar off of the empty pocket.
3. Cut the carrier tape in the feeder, making sure not to leave empty pockets.
4. SPLICING:
5. Place the last full pocket on the feeder into the first empty
6. pocket of the new reel.
7. Peel backing on splice tape.
8. Place on Mylar side of the carrier tape. (To make it easier use hold downs on tool.)
9. Remove carrier tape from tool. Peel backing on the second
10. splice tape.
11. Place on carrier side, making sure to form to pocket. (Do
12. not place second Mylar on 603 embossed.)
13. SMT Splicing Tools

We offer many SMT Splicing Tools, Embossed Feeder Tape, Brass Stitch and Tape Splice. Including:

1. Equipment for Tape Splicing
2. Spicing staplers
3. Carrier Tape Cutting Tools
4. SMT Splicing Cart
5. Pin Jigs
6. Splicing Shim (Clip)
7. AI Splicing
8. Shim (Clip)

The SMT Splicing Cart is ideal for splicing SMT component tape on-the-fly to dramatically reduce downtime on pick-and-place equipment. The cart rolls up to the feeder bank for easy splicing of reels and features storage space for spliced strips. Additionally, the cart offers storage for three splicing tools and to be used in conjunction with stapler.