SPAN-15MM Radial Lead Auto Inserter for Extended Lead THT PCB Assembly

The SPAN-15MM Radial Lead Auto Inserter is engineered for electronics manufacturers handling extended-lead radial components in THT (Through-Hole Technology) PCB assembly. With a 15mm maximum lead span capability, this machine automates the insertion of components that exceed the lead reach of standard radial inserters — eliminating a common bottleneck in power supply, lighting driver, and industrial control PCB production lines.

What Is the SPAN-15MM Used For?

The SPAN-15MM automates the insertion of radial components with extended lead spacing or longer lead lengths — typically found in:

• Power supply modules — filter capacitors, heat-sink mounting components
• LED drivers — electrolytic capacitors and inductors with longer leads
• Industrial control boards — relay coils, transformers, and noise-suppression components
• Automotive electronics — in-car charging, dashboard control PCBs

Manual insertion of extended-lead radial components is slow and ergonomically demanding. Leads must be bent, aligned, and pressed through PCBs by hand — with a high risk of lead damage, misinsertion, and operator fatigue. The SPAN-15MM automates the entire process: component feeding, lead presentation, insertion, and clinching.

Typical Application Scenarios

High-Volume Power Supply Manufacturing

Power supply PCBs often require capacitors and inductors with extended leads for heat dissipation clearance. The SPAN-15MM handles these components at speeds suited to medium- and high-volume production runs, reducing per-unit labor costs significantly.

LED Lighting Driver Boards

LED driver PCBs frequently mix standard and extended-lead components. The SPAN-15MM can be integrated alongside standard radial inserters in a mixed-model production cell, handling the XL-span components while other machines handle shorter-lead parts.

Contract Manufacturing Changeover

EMS providers handling multiple customer products benefit from quick-changeover insertion systems. The SPAN-15MM supports tooling flexibility for different component geometries, reducing changeover time when switching between product families.

Integrating the SPAN-15MM Into a PCB Assembly Line

The SPAN-15MM is designed for offline or in-line integration within a THT assembly cell:

• Feeding: Compatible with radial component tapes and tubes; the machine handles component presentation automatically
• Insertion: Leads are cut, bent, and inserted into plated thru-hole pads with consistent depth and angle
• Clinching: Leads are automatically clinched on the PCB underside to secure the component before wave soldering
• Inspection compatibility: Inserted boards are ready for AOI or visual inspection prior to soldering

The inserter can be paired with wave soldering systems such as Southern Machinery's S-WS450 or S-WS350B lead-free dual wave systems for a complete THT assembly workflow.

Key Selection Criteria for Extended-Lead Radial Insertion

When evaluating a radial inserter for XL-lead components, these are the critical parameters:

| Parameter | Consideration |

|---|---|

| Max lead span | Must exceed your longest component lead — 15mm for the SPAN-15MM |

| Component range | Check diameter and height envelope; radial capacitors, inductors, relays |

| Insertion speed | Varies by component geometry; evaluate against production takt time |

| Feed system | Tape, tube, or tray — ensure compatibility with your component packaging |

| Changeover time | Quick-change tooling reduces downtime between product runs |

| Board size compatibility | Verify max PCB dimensions the machine can accommodate |

| Service & parts | Global support availability critical for high-utilization lines |

Note: Specific CPH (cycles per hour), pricing, and certification data vary by configuration and region. Contact Southern Machinery directly for a targeted quotation based on your production requirements.

Quality and Throughput Angle

Automated insertion of extended-lead components delivers measurable improvements over manual operations:

• Repeatability: Every component is inserted to the same depth and angle — eliminating the variation inherent in manual insertion
• Lead integrity: Automated cutting and bending reduces lead damage that causes downstream soldering defects
• Labor reduction: One operator can supervise multiple insertion stations or the broader assembly line
• Ergonomics: Removing the high-force manual insertion step reduces operator fatigue and injury risk

Southern Machinery has served 237+ global clients since 2011, providing SMT and THT automation solutions from its Shenzhen headquarters. Spare parts, remote diagnostics, and on-site training are available for all machine models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum lead length the SPAN-15MM can handle?

The SPAN-15MM handles radial components with extended leads up to approximately 15mm in length. For standard radial components with shorter leads, Southern Machinery's S-3010B series is also available.

Can the SPAN-15MM handle both tape-fed and tube-fed components?

The machine supports standard radial component packaging. Confirm packaging compatibility with Southern Machinery based on your specific component types.

Is the SPAN-15MM suitable for lead-free solder processes?

Yes. Inserted components are clinched and ready for lead-free wave soldering. Southern Machinery's S-WS350B dual wave soldering system supports lead-free solder profiles.

What PCB thickness range is supported?

The SPAN-15MM accommodates standard PCB thicknesses used in industrial and consumer electronics assembly. Specific thickness ranges should be confirmed with Southern Machinery for your application.

Can this machine be integrated into an existing SMT + THT mixed production line?

Yes. The SPAN-15MM can function as a standalone THT insertion cell or be integrated into a hybrid SMT/THT line alongside placement machines, stencil printers, and wave soldering equipment.

What after-sales support is available?

Southern Machinery provides spare parts, remote technical support, on-site installation, and operator training. The company has been an SMT/THT automation specialist since 2011 with global client references.

Ready to Automate Your THT Insertion?

The SPAN-15MM radial lead auto inserter removes a common bottleneck in extended-lead THT assembly — reducing dependency on manual labor and improving production consistency.

Contact Southern Machinery to discuss your component specifications, production volume, and line integration requirements.

• Website: https://www.smthelp.com
• Email: kevin@smthelp.com
• Phone/WeChat: +86 13602562576

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Southern Machinery — SMT/THT PCB Assembly Automation Specialist since 2011. Full line solutions: SMT placement, THT insertion, wave soldering, board handling, and process support equipment.