Abstract: A method of forming a monolithic backing plate comprising using additive manufacturing to form a three dimensional structure of continuous material including forming a substantially planar first side in a first plane, forming a plurality of flow barriers joined to the first side, the plurality of flow barriers having a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the first plane; forming a plurality of flow channels defined between the plurality of flow barriers; and forming a substantially planar second side in the first plane, and uniformly solidifying the material such that the backing plate comprises a uniform, continuous material structure throughout the first side, the plurality of flow barriers, and the second side.

Abstract: An electronics packaging arrangement, a lead frame construct for use in an electronics packaging arrangement, and a method for manufacturing an electronics packaging arrangement. A lead frame made of copper, for example, includes a metallic barrier layer of nickel, for example, to prevent oxidation of the metal of the lead frame. A relatively thin wetting promoting layer of copper, for example, is provided on the metallic barrier layer to promote uniform wetting of a solder, such as a lead-free, zinc-based solder, onto the lead frame during a die connect process by which a chip is connected to the lead frame. A copper/zinc intermetallic layer is formed during the flow and solidification of the solder. Substantially all of the copper in the copper layer is consumed during formation of the copper/zinc intermetallic layer, and the intermetallic layer is sufficiently thin to resist internal cracking failure during manufacture and subsequent use of the electronics packaging arrangement.

Abstract: An electronics packaging arrangement, a lead frame construct for use in an electronics packaging arrangement, and a method for manufacturing an electronics packaging arrangement. A lead frame made of copper, for example, includes a metallic barrier layer of nickel, for example, to prevent oxidation of the metal of the lead frame. A relatively thin wetting promoting layer of copper, for example, is provided on the metallic barrier layer to promote uniform wetting of a solder, such as a lead-free, zinc-based solder, onto the lead frame during a die connect process by which a chip is connected to the lead frame. A copper/zinc intermetallic layer is formed during the flow and solidification of the solder. Substantially all of the copper in the copper layer is consumed during formation of the copper/zinc intermetallic layer, and the intermetallic layer is sufficiently thin to resist internal cracking failure during manufacture and subsequent use of the electronics packaging arrangement.

Abstract: A backing plate for use with a sputtering target is disclosed including a core component formed of a composite material and an outer layer formed of a metal or metal alloy, wherein the outer layer completely surrounds and covers said core component. A method for recycling such a backing plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Electronic packaging arrangements having lead-free solders are disclosed. In particular, lead-free solder compositions and lead frame constructs for use therewith are disclosed. The lead-free solder compositions may be zinc-based and may include zinc, aluminum, and germanium as major components and gallium and magnesium as minor components. The lead-free, zinc-based solder compositions may exhibit desirable melting properties, mechanical properties, and wetting properties, for example.