DEK has reportedly applied its mass imaging techniques to improve the uniformity of Thermal Interface Material (TIM) deposited between a silicon die and its package lid during semiconductor packaging.  By using ProFlow DirEKt Imaging to mass image the TIM, semiconductor manufacturers can ensure uniform material thickness across the entire die surface. Advantages include better thermal conductivity between the die and the lid, which improves reliability and delivers greater lid coplanarity.
 
"Mass imaging is significantly more controllable and repeatable than traditional dispensing when depositing TIM," says Richard Heimsch, president.  "Additionally, DEK's process makes it easier to verify uniform spreading and absence of voids before the package lid is assembled."
 
During the TIM process, die assembled onto substrates enter a flexible printing system that combines three processes - passive attach, TIM and lid sealing - into a single platform. The single  printing system allows customers to re-deploy equipment between processes to meet changing manufacturing requirements and allows single-platform operator training. 
 
Compared to traditional, serial dispensing, the parallel mass imaging process is said to increase true throughput and deliver greater control over the volume of material deposited.  This technique also allows the shape of the TIM deposit to be more accurately controlled.  Because the process does not require the TIM to be spread via lid placement, defects such as material voids or incomplete spreading are reportedly eliminated.  
 
DEK, dek.com

Cobar Europe BV has implemented state-of-the-art QC testing and laboratory routines designed to yield more precise data for customers.

Eli Westerlaken, president and CEO, said, "As part of our continuous drive towards quality improvements and batch-to-batch reduction of variation of QC data, we have reviewed some of our lab routines and have improved them, to keep up with current methodologies being adopted across the industry. The result, we're pleased to say, has been improved reproducibility of testing routines such as acid number titration."

Westerlaken added that the titration routine, for example, will marginally change the measuring range of some of the company's products, but does not signal or reflect any change in raw material properties, product formulas or manufacturing methods.

"Our Cobar products remain unchanged; our SPC data will be more precise, however. Near-term, in some cases, users will see a small and temporary change in parameters such as Six Sigma numbers and Cpk values. In the long run, these improved routines will mean more verifiable data..."

Cobar, cobar.com