We know, terminals are always come with carrier attached, the carrier can let we load the terminals on the crimping machine, and then we can crimp it automatically with high efficiency.
When crimping, we need to cut off the terminals from the carrier, there may be carrier tab left, but what's the residual tab criteria? Top-cable always follow IPC spec to control it, refer to below.
Acceptable - Class 1,2,3
• No damage to contact or terminal.
• Cutoff does not prevent complete mating of the contact/
terminal.
Process Indicator - Class 2,3
• Cutoff tab length at mating end is greater than 2X its thickness
but does not impede mating.
• Cutoff tab length at wire entry end is greater than 2X its
thickness but does not protrude when inserted into connector
body.
Defect - Class 1,2,3
• Carrier cutoff tab length is greater than 2X its thickness (Figure
5-43).
• Removal of cutoff tab has damaged contact or terminal.
• Cutoff tab protrudes from connector body when contact has
been inserted.
• Mating end cutoff tab prevents complete mating.
• No carrier cutoff tab visible and contact/terminal is damaged.
Note: Contact/terminal needs to meet form, fit, function and
reliability requirements. A trial mating may be required for final
acceptance.
