SMT Splice Tape Selection Guide: Width, Pitch, Feeder Compatibility, and How to Specify for Purchasing

March 21, 2023|3 min read

Primary keywords: SMT splice tape selection, splice tape width, carrier tape pitch, feeder compatibility, SMT splicing supplies
Secondary keywords: 8mm 12mm 16mm carrier tape, paper vs plastic carrier, splice shims, splice tools, how to specify splice tape for procurement

Summary

Choosing the right SMT splice tape is not only about adhesion. For stable pass‑through and reliable indexing, you must match splicing materials to carrier tape width/pitch, carrier material, and feeder tolerances. Poor matching is a common cause of jams, mis‑picks, and inconsistent changeovers across shifts.

This guide provides a practical selection framework and a procurement-ready specification checklist.

Step 1: Identify Your Carrier Tape Width and Pitch

Most SMT lines work with multiple tape formats. The first requirement is to capture:

Width (common formats include 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 24 mm, and beyond)
Pitch (sprocket-hole spacing) and pocket geometry
Cover tape behavior (peel angle and peel force can affect stability around the splice)

Why it matters: if the splice or shim interferes with sprocket holes, or if thickness spikes exceed clearance, feeder stability will degrade.

Step 2: Confirm Carrier Tape Material (Paper vs Plastic)

Carrier tape material influences adhesive performance and residue risk.

Capture:

paper carrier vs plastic carrier
surface energy and contamination risk (oil/dust)
whether the joint area is cleaned/controlled

Selection implication: choose a splice tape adhesive system that bonds consistently to your carrier type and supports stable peel behavior.

Step 3: Understand Feeder Tolerance and Speed

High-speed feeders have tight clearance zones. A splice can introduce:

local thickness peaks
stiffness changes
slight misalignment near holes

For critical lines, consider:

controlled thickness splice tape
shims/clips for joint stability
splice tools/jigs for repeatable alignment

Step 4: Decide Between Single vs Double Splice Tape

Both types are used in production; the choice depends on mechanical stress and changeover discipline.

General guidance (application dependent)

Single splice tape: faster manual splicing, common for standard lines
Double splice tape: added security where tension is higher or where the splice zone is more demanding

Your validation should include: pass‑through test, hole registration check, and residue inspection.

Step 5: When to Add Shims/Clips and Tools

Shims/clips and splice tools improve repeatability on:

higher speed lines
wider carrier tapes
builds where mis-pick near splice is costly

Procurement Checklist: How to Specify Splice Tape Correctly

If purchasing only says “splice tape,” you may get inconsistent results. Use a procurement-ready spec that includes:

Required information

carrier tape width range used (e.g., 8–72 mm)
carrier material (paper/plastic)
intended use: single splice / double splice / ESD-safe (if required)
feeder type/model and typical line speed (if available)
packaging preference (roll length, dispenser type)

Recommended validation criteria

pass‑through at feeder gate and guides
hole registration at the joint (visual check)
residue inspection after cycling
repeatability across operators (standard work)

FAQ

Thickness spikes, hole misalignment, and residue are the most frequent root causes—especially when materials are improvised or not matched to the carrier type.