Spliced Reels Clogging SMT Machines

Hoping to get some technical insight on some issues with spliced reels while performing SMT operations.

We have been having issues with the metal splices on reels. When the metal splices enter the feeders on our SMT machines it tends to clog the feeders in which our operators need to go and remove the splice. This occurs on almost all of our reels. In the past we have taken the time to fix the splices in process but recently it has been a larger issue and is leading to an increase in time spent resolving this issue.

Is there a way to get leaders taped on both top and bottom sides to keep from using metallic splices or are there any other alternatives to using the metal splices when we order parts?

Are there any known fixes for keeping splices from clogging SMT feeders?

Hi @matthew.coffman does this also clog on the tape leader? Or just cuts in the middle of the strip?

Can you send a photo of where it jams up? Wondering if the wheel is too tight?

PS for any reels that fail, we have a note here about contacting customer service: Newer Digi-Reel Construction

Regards,

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Hi @RobertCNelson,

While the splice is moving over the advancer of the machine that’s where the metal splice will jam and cause it to stop being able to advance the reel further.

I am not at liberty to provide photos taken from inside our SMT line, but I have attached a photo of the specific splice we have issues with. We have seen splices done with tape and those have no issues feeding into the machine. Its specifically the metal splices along the leader.

What our operators have been doing is removing the reel and cutting out the section with the splice.

matthew.coffman

Thank you for the info , I would suggest contacting customer.service@digikey.com , and include information such as sales order #, customer #, and part number(s), along with the information about the problems these are causing to see if there is something that can be done to help resolve this issue .

Thanks Craig