Side Feed vs End Feed Crimping Applicator: Differences Explained
Understand the key differences between side feed and end feed crimping applicators — how they work, when to use each, and how to choose the right one.
Shivam Das
Marketing Head, Anjali Machine Tools
21 July 2025
The two primary types of crimping applicators used in wire harness manufacturing are side feed and end feed. The difference lies in how the terminal strip is fed into the crimping zone relative to the wire insertion direction. This seemingly simple distinction affects production speed, terminal compatibility, workspace layout, and tooling costs.
How Side Feed Applicators Work
In a side feed applicator, the terminal strip enters the crimping zone from the side — perpendicular to the wire insertion direction. The operator inserts the stripped wire from the front, and the terminal strip advances from either the left or right side.
The feeding mechanism uses a spring-loaded feed finger that advances the strip by one terminal pitch after each press stroke. The terminal is cut from the carrier strip (separated from the reel) at the moment of crimping.
Key characteristics of side feed applicators:
- Terminal strip feeds perpendicular to the wire
- Available in left-feed and right-feed configurations
- Feed finger advances the strip automatically
- The carrier strip is cut and ejected during crimping
- Most common type for high-volume automotive wire harness production
AMT’s Unique S/F Crimping Applicator is a side-feed model weighing 5.5 kg with a shut height of 155 mm, designed for 30-40 mm stroke presses. The RXA S/F Crimping Applicator is a lighter 4.7 kg side-feed option with a 135 mm shut height.
How End Feed Applicators Work
In an end feed applicator, the terminal strip enters the crimping zone from the end — parallel to the wire insertion direction, feeding toward the operator. The wire is inserted from the front, and the terminal strip advances from behind (or in front, depending on the design).
The feed mechanism is similar to side feed — a feed finger indexes the strip forward after each stroke — but the strip path is aligned with the wire axis rather than perpendicular to it.
Key characteristics of end feed applicators:
- Terminal strip feeds parallel to the wire axis
- Terminal approaches the crimp zone from behind the wire
- Carrier strip typically exits out the back or side
- Used when terminal geometry or strip orientation requires axial feeding
- Common for certain connector terminal families
AMT’s Unique E/F Crimping Applicator and RXA E/F Crimping Applicator are end-feed models at 4.7 kg with 135 mm shut height.
Key Differences Compared
| Feature | Side Feed | End Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Strip feed direction | Perpendicular to wire | Parallel to wire |
| Terminal strip entry | From the left or right side | From behind or in front |
| Workspace clearance | Needs lateral clearance for strip reel | Needs front/rear clearance |
| Common terminal types | Most standard open barrel terminals | Terminals designed for end-feed strips |
| Strip orientation | Terminals oriented sideways on strip | Terminals oriented inline on strip |
| Industry preference | Dominant in automotive harness production | Used for specific terminal families |
| Carrier strip exit | Ejected to the side | Ejected to the rear |
When to Use Side Feed
Side feed is the more common configuration and suits the majority of wire harness production scenarios:
- High-volume automotive production — most automotive terminal families (Yazaki, TE/AMP, Sumitomo, Molex) are available on side-feed strips
- Standard open barrel terminals — the dominant terminal type in wire harness manufacturing
- Multi-applicator workstations — side feed allows easy access to the wire insertion area from the front without the strip reel obstructing the workspace
- Quick-change production — when switching between terminal types frequently, side feed applicators offer straightforward changeover
When to Use End Feed
End feed is required or preferred in specific situations:
- Terminal strip design — some terminals are manufactured on strips oriented for end-feed only. The terminal geometry dictates the strip layout, and this determines the applicator type
- Space-constrained setups — when there is no lateral clearance for a side-mounted strip reel
- Specific connector families — certain connector terminal families from major manufacturers require end-feed applicators due to how the terminals are stamped on the carrier strip
- Inline wire processing — in automated cut-strip-crimp machines, end feed sometimes integrates more naturally with the wire path
Choosing Between Side Feed and End Feed
The decision is straightforward in most cases:
Step 1: Check the terminal strip. Look at how the terminals are oriented on the carrier strip. If the terminals face sideways relative to the strip direction, you need a side-feed applicator. If they face inline, you need end feed.
Step 2: Check with the terminal manufacturer. Terminal specification sheets indicate the required applicator feed type. The part number or spec sheet will state “S/F” (side feed) or “E/F” (end feed).
Step 3: Consider your press and workspace. Verify that your bench press has the correct shut height (typically 135 mm or 155 mm) and stroke (30-40 mm) for the applicator.
Step 4: Evaluate production volume. For high volumes, side feed is generally preferred for its speed and the wider availability of side-feed terminal strips.
AMT’s Side Feed and End Feed Range
Anjali Machine Tools manufactures both types to cover all production requirements:
| Model | Feed Type | Weight | Shut Height | Stroke | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unique S/F | Side Feed | 5.5 kg | 155 mm | 30-40 mm | Quick change crimper set, adjustable crimp load |
| Unique E/F | End Feed | 4.7 kg | 135 mm | 30-40 mm | End-feed variant of Unique series |
| RXA S/F | Side Feed | 4.7 kg | 135 mm | 30-40 mm | Compact RXA series side feed |
| RXA E/F | End Feed | 4.7 kg | 135 mm | 30-40 mm | Compact RXA series end feed |
All models feature quick-change crimper sets, user-friendly settings, and adjustable crimp load for conductor and insulation. This means a single bench press can handle both side-feed and end-feed terminals by swapping the applicator.
For a broader overview of applicator types including pneumatic models, see our guide on types of crimping applicators. If you need help selecting the right model, our buyer’s guide walks through the decision process.
Conclusion
The choice between side feed and end feed is determined primarily by the terminal strip orientation — not by quality or performance differences. Both types produce identical crimp quality when properly set up. Your terminal supplier’s specification sheet is the definitive guide for which type you need.
At Anjali Machine Tools, we manufacture both side-feed and end-feed crimping applicators in Pune, India. With 500+ clients across the automotive and electrical industries, we can recommend the right applicator for your terminal and press combination. Contact us for technical guidance.