Reference
SMT Splicing Glossary
20 essential SMT splicing terms defined in one or two sentences each: from splice tape and leader extenders to feeder detection types, ESD, and CPH. Bookmark this page when qualifying suppliers or training new operators.
- Splice tape接料带
- Adhesive tape used to join the tail of a depleted SMD carrier tape to the head of a new reel, enabling reel changes without stopping the feeder. Available in single and double-sided types across 8–56 mm widths.
- Double splice tape双面接料带
- A single piece of splice tape that joins both the carrier tape base and the cover tape in one operation — roughly twice as fast as single splice and the standard for 8–24 mm high-speed lines.
- Leader tape / leader extender引带 / 引带延长带
- A length of tape attached to a short strip or cut tape to give the feeder something to thread and pull. Extenders add about 500 mm of feedable leader so remaining components can be placed instead of scrapped.
- Carrier tape载带
- The embossed or punched plastic (or paper) tape that carries SMD components in pockets, indexed by sprocket holes. Standard widths: 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 44, 56 mm.
- Cover tape盖带
- The thin film sealed over carrier tape pockets to retain components; peeled back by the feeder just before placement. Spliced separately in single-splice workflows.
- Sprocket hole定位孔
- The precisely spaced holes along the carrier tape edge that the feeder sprocket engages to index the tape. Splice alignment must hold these within 0.3 mm.
- Feeder飞达
- The pick-and-place machine module that holds an SMD reel, advances the carrier tape pocket-by-pocket, and presents components to the placement head. Types include tape feeders, stick, and tray feeders.
- Pick and place machine贴片机
- The SMT assembly machine that picks components from feeders and places them onto PCB pads at speeds from a few thousand to 40,000+ components per hour (CPH).
- SMD reelSMD 料盘
- The standard 7- or 13-inch reel holding carrier tape wound with surface-mount components — the unit of material handled at the SMT line.
- ESD (electrostatic discharge)ESD（静电放电）
- The sudden flow of static electricity that can damage or latently weaken sensitive components (ICs, LEDs, RF devices). ESD-safe splice tape uses static-dissipative materials.
- Metal-sensing feeder金属感应飞达
- A feeder type (e.g. Fuji, ASMPT) that detects splices via a metalized strip on the splice tape. Requires splice tape with a compatible metal detection element.
- Emitter-receiver feeder发射接收式飞达
- A feeder type (e.g. Panasonic, Yamaha, Juki, Hanwha) that detects splices when an opaque tape interrupts an optical beam. Requires non-transparent splice tape.
- Kapton / polyimide tapeKapton / 聚酰亚胺胶带
- Heat-resistant tape made from polyimide film, rated for continuous 260°C service. Used for reflow solder masking, transformer insulation, and high-temperature splicing.
- Splicing jig接料夹具
- A fixture with guide pins that holds two carrier tape ends at the correct pitch while the operator applies splice tape — the most reliable way to keep sprocket-hole alignment within 0.3 mm.
- Splice clip接料夹
- A small reusable clip that joins cover tapes in single-splice workflows, avoiding a second adhesive joint on the cover tape.
- COA (certificate of analysis)COA（分析证书）
- A per-lot document stating measured quality attributes (peel strength, dimensions, ESD data). Automotive and medical customers typically require COAs for traceability.
- Reflow soldering回流焊
- The SMT soldering process where a PCB with pasted components passes through a temperature profile peaking at 245–260°C (lead-free), melting the solder paste to form joints.
- Changeover换线 / 换型
- The process of switching a production line from one product to another — including reel changes, feeder setup, and program load. Splice tape minimizes the reel-change portion.
- Lot traceability批次可追溯性
- The ability to trace any finished pack back to its raw-material lot and production date via lot codes — required for containment if a field defect is ever found.
- CPH (components per hour)CPH（每小时贴装数）
- The placement speed rating of a pick-and-place machine. High-speed lines run 30,000–40,000+ CPH, where splice joint precision is critical.