The first thought would be automating the lead cutting operation. There are several companies with equipment that will form and cut the components directly from the tape. There are also machines that you can hand insert the components into and then it cuts a whole group of components to the proper lead length with a large blade (similiar to a horizontal guillotine) for low volumes, I had a special fixture made to hold the component. The operator inserted the component leads through the holes in the block and then used a pair of cutters to cut the leads even with the block. it worked best when the block was vertical and the operator inserted the component from the side (you know, ergonomics and stuff) Good luck [log in to unmask] on 08/06/98 11:40:18 AM Please respond to [log in to unmask]; Please respond to [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] cc: (bcc: Ed Holton/Hella North America Inc.) Subject: [TN] Lead cutting standardization Hello. I am looking for a method of standardizing lead cutting. Does anyone have a good method to insure that leads are cut consistently at about 0.070"? I have looked for cutters with a built in standoff but I haven't found any that suit my needs. Any input would be appreciated. Cam Rankin ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. For technical support contact Hugo Scaramuzza at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.312 ################################################################ ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. For technical support contact Hugo Scaramuzza at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.312 ################################################################