Abstract: Apparatus and a method for orienting individual bonding sites of a lead frame having a plurality of bonding sites includes a universal work station in a work holder. The work holder comprises a gripper mechanism which is mounted on a transverse rail or bar for grasping a lead frame at an edge portion thereof while exposed in a supply magazine. The jaws of the gripper mechanism are pivoted in a horizontal direction which permits the exposed edge of the lead frame to be aligned parallel to a reference plane in a theta orientation direction. While oriented in the theta orientation direction, the lead frame is moved precisely to the window of the work station of the work holder where it is clamped by the top plate and lower plate of the work station before being subsequently bonded.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for orienting individual bonding sites of a lead frame having a plurality of bonding sites includes a universal work station in a work holder. The work holder comprises a gripper mechanism which is mounted on a transverse rail or bar for grasping a lead frame at an edge portion thereof while exposed in a supply magazine. The jaws of the gripper mechanism are pivoted in a horizontal direction which permits the exposed edge of the lead frame to be aligned parallel to a reference plane in a theta orientation direction. While oriented in the theta orientation direction, the lead frame is moved precisely to the window of the work station of the work holder where it is clamped by the top plate and lower plate of the work station before being subsequently bonded.

Abstract: A modular quick change work station is provided for automatic wire bonders which permits the rapid exchange of work stations without manual adjustments for continuing operations. The modular work station comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion is affixed to a fixed portion of the wire bonder and the movable portion is affixed to a movable portion of the wire bonder. In order to install the modular work station in a precise position relative to both the fixed and movable portions of the wire bonder the novel modular work station is provided with immobilizing means and a plurality of alignment means which align all of the working parts with each other and with the moving and fixed parts of the automatic wire bonder. Thus, when the modular work station is installed into the automatic wire bonder and properly mobilized the work station is adjusted for proper production operation without further adjustment.