If you are setting up a pick and place machine, feeders are one of the first practical questions you will face. Which tape width do you need? How many feeders? Powered or strip? This guide explains everything clearly.
What is an SMT Feeder?
An SMT feeder holds a reel of component tape and advances it one step at a time, presenting each component to the pick and place machine's nozzle at a precise, consistent location. Without feeders, the machine cannot reliably pick components — you would have to manually position each one, which defeats the purpose of automation.
Component Tape and Tape Width
SMT components are packaged in embossed carrier tape wound on reels. The tape has pockets that hold individual components and a cover tape that peels away during feeding. Tape width is standardised and directly corresponds to the size of the components inside.
8mm Tape
8mm is the most common tape width. It covers the majority of passive components:
- Resistors: 0201, 0402, 0603, 0805, 1206
- Capacitors: 0201, 0402, 0603, 0805
- Small inductors
- Small signal diodes and transistors in SOD323, SOT23 packages
If you are starting out, 8mm feeders will cover the vast majority of your BOM. Most PlaceStation users start with a bank of 8mm feeders and add other sizes as needed.
12mm Tape
12mm tape is used for slightly larger components:
- Larger capacitors and inductors (1210, 1812)
- Small ICs in SOT23-5, SOT23-6, SOT-89 packages
- Larger discretes and fuses
- Some connectors and LEDs
For most SMT designs with a mix of passives and small ICs, a combination of 8mm and 12mm feeders covers nearly everything.
16mm Tape
16mm tape handles larger components:
- Medium-sized ICs in SOIC-8, SOIC-16 packages
- Larger LEDs
- Larger connectors
- Some relays and optocouplers
16mm feeders are less frequently needed for typical designs but essential once your BOM includes SOIC packaged ICs.
Powered vs Strip Feeders
Powered Feeders
Powered feeders use a small motor to advance the tape automatically on each pick command from the machine. The cover tape is peeled and wound internally. This gives consistent, hands-free operation with no manual intervention during a job.
PlaceStation Powered Feeders are available in 8mm and 12mm and are designed for direct integration with the PlaceStation pick and place machine.
Strip Feeders
Strip feeders are simpler mechanical holders that require the operator to manually advance the tape or peel the cover tape. They are lower cost but slower and less consistent than powered feeders. Suitable for low-volume or occasional use.
How Many Feeders Do You Need?
A good starting point is one feeder per unique component in your BOM that comes on tape. A typical simple PCB might have 10–20 unique passives and a few ICs — so 15–25 feeders covers most jobs without swapping reels mid-run.
For the PlaceStation, we recommend starting with a mix of 8mm and 12mm powered feeders based on your most common BOM. The PlaceStation Basic Bundle includes one feeder to get you started, while the Complete Lab Bundle includes five.