Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for aligning a bonding tool. A force sensor having a plurality of force sensing sections is configured to measure a force generated by the bonding tool on the force sensor. Each sensing section is adapted to individually detect an amount of force from a part of the bonding tool acting on that sensing section, so that an alignment of the bonding tool may be determined.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for indexing a length of film for severance. The apparatus comprises a linear feeding device operative to hold the film and to feed a predetermined amount of film to a trimming device by moving linearly between an initial position and another position towards the trimming device. A film holder located between the linear feeding device and the trimming device is operable between a first position wherein a gap is provided for the film to pass through during feeding to the trimming device, and a second position for clamping the film when severing the film with the trimming device.