Yamaha SS/YS/ZS Feeder Finger

The Feeder Finger is an accessory for Yamaha SS, YS, and ZS series feeders that allows short strips of component tape (cut tape) to be used without needing to splice or use leader/trailer tape. This streamlines setup, reduces waste, and simplifies feeder change-overs.

Setup is designed to be fast: the tape can be loaded using the supplied push-tool, aligned, and ready in just a few seconds. Minimal training is needed, making it efficient in high-change environments.

Typically, the Feeder Finger supports very short strips of cut tape—often just a few inches—enough to avoid unnecessary leader/trailer tape. (Exact minimum length depends on component size and feeder configuration.)

The Feeder Finger is usually compatible with standard tape widths used in Yamaha feeders (e.g. 8 mm) and matching feeder depths (e.g. the common “depth” setting for those series). Cover tape material type (paper/plastic) may affect performance.

Yes. It’s made with robust materials (often aircraft-grade aluminium or similarly tough metals), designed to withstand regular assembly-line handling. It’s built to avoid damage to both tape and feeder.

Standard SMD sizes (for example, 0603, 1206, etc.) typically perform well. Very small devices (e.g. 0201) may require more precise alignment and handling; in those cases, quality of tape and tape feed alignment becomes more critical.

Benefits include reduced time for feeder changeovers, eliminating time spent splicing or preparing leaders/trailers, fewer tape jams (especially cover tape issues), and less waste from unused tape sections. These gains add up in high-mix, frequent changeover production lines.

Some limitations may include: compatibility only with certain tape widths or types (not all plastics or exotic cover tapes may behave ideally), possible feeding issues with extremely short strips if alignment isn’t perfect, and operator discipline still being important to avoid misfeeds. Also, if your line uses a wide variety of feeder types, checking compatibility is essential.