Abstract: A method for decreasing the mass and increasing the strength of an IC wafer assembly involves adding a polymer coating to the frontside of the wafer assembly to protect and strengthen the assembly, and removing silicon material from the backside of the wafer assembly, reducing the overall thickness of the assembly. The removal can be by backgrinding or by many other removal techniques, and in some cases is removed to a thickness less than that of the polymer coating.

Abstract: A punch guide/receptacle for a dambar-removal tool set has a mounting fixture and an insert adapted to mount to an adaptive region of the mounting fixture. Apertures for punch teeth in the guide/receptacle are a part of the insert. In practicing the invention inserts may be removed and repaired. In one embodiment the insert has an upper and a lower row of apertures, and repair may be accomplished in some instances simply by reversing the insert in the mounting block.

Abstract: A punch for removing material from lead frames has a substantially rectangular body with an array of grooves along one side and a step removed on one end from the side opposite the grooves to provide an array of punch teeth extending from the body of the punch. The grooves provide a means of reworking the punch to provide a new array of teeth, by machining away all or part of the teeth and then extending the step in the direction of the groove to provide substantially the original length for the individual teeth. By providing a punch with groove length several times the tooth length, the punch can be reworked several times before being discarded. Methods for forming the punch and for reworking the punch after breakage or wear are disclosed.

Abstract: A punch for removing material from lead flames has a substantially rectangular body with an array of grooves along one side and a step removed on one end from the side opposite the grooves to provide an array of punch teeth extending from the body of the punch. The grooves provide a means of reworking the punch to provide a new array of teeth, by machining away all or part of the teeth and then extending the step in the direction of the groove to provide substantially the original length for the individual teeth. By providing a punch with groove length several times the tooth length, the punch can be reworked several times before being discarded. Methods for forming the punch and for reworking the punch after breakage or wear are disclosed.

Abstract: A punch for removing material from lead frames has a substantially rectangular body with an array of grooves along one side and a step removed on one end from the side opposite the grooves to provide an array of punch teeth extending from the body of the punch. The grooves provide a means of reworking the punch to provide a new array of teeth, by machining away all or part of the teeth and then extending the step in the direction of the groove to provide substantially the original length for the individual teeth. By providing a punch with groove length several times the tooth length, the punch can be reworked several times before being discarded.