Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use SMT Splice Tapes and Shims Correctly

In a high-speed Surface Mount Technology (SMT) environment, the difference between a seamless production run and a frustrating series of “feeder alarms” often comes down to a few millimeters of tape. While many operators simply “stick and hope,” performing a professional-grade splice is a technical skill that directly impacts your factory’s OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).

If you are seeing “splice breaks” inside your pick-and-place machine or experiencing frequent “mis-picks” after a reel change, your splicing technique is likely the culprit. This guide provides a definitive, shop-floor-ready tutorial on how to join carrier tapes using SMT Splice Tapes and Brass Shims for maximum reliability in 2026.

The Core Tools You’ll Need

Before starting, ensure your workstation is equipped with:

• SMT Splicing Scissors/Cutter: These aren’t regular scissors; they feature alignment pins to ensure a perfect 90-degree cut.

• SMT Brass Shims: Small metal clips with “teeth” that lock into the sprocket holes.

• SMT Splicing Tape: Sized to match your tape width (8mm, 12mm, 16mm, etc.).

• Splicing Plier (Crimp Tool): To securely press the shim into the carrier tape.

Step 1: Squaring the Ends (The Foundation)

The most common cause of a jammed feeder is a diagonal or jagged cut. If the two ends of the carrier tape don’t meet at a perfect 90-degree angle, the tape will “zig-zag” through the feeder.

• The Action: Use a dedicated SMT cutter. Place the “expired” reel tail and the “new” reel leader into the cutter’s alignment pins.

• Pro Tip: Always cut between the components, ensuring you have at least two or three empty pockets (pockets without components) at the ends to provide a clean bonding surface.

Step 2: Aligning the Sprocket Holes

The machine’s feeder relies on the sprocket holes to index the tape. If these holes are even half a millimeter out of alignment, the pick-and-place nozzle will miss the component.

• The Action: Place the two ends of the carrier tape onto the pins of the Splicing Plier. Ensure the sprocket holes of both tapes are perfectly synchronized on the pins.

Step 3: Applying the Brass Shim

While tape provides the “seal,” the Brass Shim provides the mechanical strength. Without a shim, the high-tension “jerk” of a high-speed feeder can easily snap a tape-only splice.

• The Action: Slide a brass shim into the splicing plier. The teeth of the shim should point toward the sprocket holes.

• The Crimp: Squeeze the pliers firmly. The teeth will pierce through the carrier tape and fold over, physically locking the two reels together.

Step 4: Securing the Joint with Splicing Tape

Now that the mechanical connection is made, you need to ensure the Cover Tape (the clear film protecting the components) can be peeled back by the machine without snagging.

• The Action: Remove the adhesive backing from a piece of SMT Splice Tape. Apply it to the top surface, covering the joint.

• The “Clearance” Check: Ensure the tape is centered. If it hangs over the edge of the carrier tape, it will stick to the feeder’s internal guide rails, causing a catastrophic jam.

Step 5: Joining the Cover Tapes

This is the step most operators miss. You must also join the “Clear Cover Tape” from the old reel to the new reel.

• The Action: Use a small, narrow strip of “Cover Tape Connectors.” This ensures that when the machine’s peeling motor pulls the film back, it transitions from the old reel to the new reel without tearing or getting stuck in the take-up spool.

Step 6: The “Flex Test”

Before loading the spliced reel back into the machine, perform a quick manual check.

• The Action: Gently bend the spliced area. It should be flexible enough to navigate the curves of a feeder but strong enough to resist a firm tug.

• The Visual Check: Look through the sprocket holes. You should see a clear, unobstructed path for the feeder’s drive gear teeth.

Troubleshooting Common Splice Failures

Conclusion: Consistency is Key

Splicing is an art that pays off in uninterrupted production. By following this step-by-step tutorial, you reduce the risk of “human error” and ensure your high-speed SMT line stays in its most profitable state: running.

For 2026, the industry standard is moving toward Automatic Splicing Tools that perform all these steps in one click. However, understanding the manual fundamentals remains essential for every SMT technician and line lead.

Keywords: SMT Splicing Tutorial, How to use Splice Tape, Brass Shims SMT, PCB Assembly Guide, SMT Feeder Setup, Carrier Tape Joining, Splicing Tool Instructions, SMT OEE.

Tags: #SMT #ElectronicsManufacturing #StepByStep #ManufacturingTutorial #PCBA #SurfaceMount #IndustrialSkills #QualityControl #SmartFactory