Dec 06, 2008 
Today's device technologies have dictated the need for much thinner die in packages with tighter geometric tolerances. For these applications, conventional die attach pastes can be hard to control, with uniform bondlines and complete wetting becoming more and more difficult to achieve. These challenges are what have proliferated the use of die attach films, which are effective but can cost as much as 50% more than traditional die attach pastes.
To address these issues and respond to industry requirements for a cost-effective alternative to film-based materials, Henkel has designed a breakthrough die attach paste technology that utilizes capillary force to control flow and deliver complete wetting. Unlike conventional die attach materials that rely on complicated, precise dispense patterns in combination with die placement force to encourage flow, determine bondline thickness and promote wetting, Ablestik brand self-filleting pastes use capillary function to control these critical process parameters through dispense volume and spacer technology.
�Self-filleting die attach technology is arguably one of the biggest advancements in die attach paste materials in recent years,� states Robert Palmer, Henkel Global Product Manager for
Die Attach Adhesives. �Modern devices are dictating much thinner die with bondline thicknesses pushing 5 microns. These packages simply cannot be assembled with conventional pastes and, until recently, die attach films were the only option. Self-filleting die attach adhesives make packaging these delicate devices possible without requiring changes to current equipment sets or process steps and deliver a lower total cost of use than die attach film.�
Employing traditional automatic dispense technology, a dot of Ablestik self-filleting material is deposited and the die gently placed. The capillary force of the material then draws it out to the edge of the die where it forms a small fillet. No excessive placement force is required, which eliminates die damage while also allowing for extremely tight process control.
�Ablestik self-filleting materials are providing customers more package design latitude with a material that fits into their existing manufacturing processes,� concludes Palmer. �Plus, they are doing so at a cost that is much more palatable than that of film.�
Currently, Henkel's Ablestik materials are available in three formulations: Ablestik AAA3300� non-conductive paste for die to substrate laminate-based devices; Ablestik AAA3320� non-conductive material for die to die attachment, including same size, pyramidal and orthogonal die stack packages, and; Ablestik 3900� conductive adhesive designed for die to substrate leadframe packages.
For more information on Henkel's Ablestik brand self-filleting die attach adhesives or any of the company's advanced semiconductor packaging materials, call 949-789-2500 or log onto the website at http://www.henkel.com/electronics.
About Henkel
For more than 130 years, Henkel has been a leader with brands and technologies that make people's lives easier, better and more beautiful. Henkel operates in three business areas � Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesives Technologies � and is ranked among the Fortune Global 500 companies. More than 60 percent of Henkel's sales are in fast-moving consumer goods, while the industrial business accounts for almost 40 percent of the company's total sales. In fiscal 2007, Henkel generated sales of 13,074 million euros and operating profit of 1,344 million euros. Our more than 55,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to fulfilling our corporate claim, "A Brand like a Friend," and ensuring that people in more than 125 countries can trust in brands and technologies from Henkel.
