Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cutting and welding slugs to lead wires, a die has a bore therein through which the slug feedstock is stepwise advanced. The die is ferromagnetic and a permanent magnet is positioned with one magnetic pole adjacent the cutting end of the die. A knife has an opening therein for receiving the feedstock advancing out of the die when the hole and die are aligned. Rocking of the knife cuts free a slug. When the knife is rocked back into alignment, the slug positions itself on the freshly cut end of the feedstock. Advance of the feedstock then pushes the slug out of the knife and presents it to a clamp.

Abstract: A system for handling axial lead components comprises a flexible metal tape or molded plastic strip (to electrically test components while on strip), that has been especially perforated by die punching to have a plurality of sprocket receiving holes along its edges and a plurality of component receiving holes spaced centrally and along the length of the tape. The component holes have tabs at each lateral end thereof that define a component lead receiving slot. The slot has a predefined width at the end away from the tape. The slot width increases toward the base of the tabs. The predefined width of the slot at the end away from the tape is smaller than the diameter of the lead to be received in the slot. Only by flexing the tape to spread the tabs can a lead be inserted, freely rotated or removed from the slot. At least one tape flexing station is associated with each system.