Lapping Films
The applications for lapping films range from polishing semiconductor dies, fiber optics, optical components, ceramic capacitors, computer hard drive read-write heads, ceramic seals, etc. The main characteristic of lapping films is that they produce very flat surfaces, especially across materials with a wide range in hardness.
PACE Technologies Lapping Films
Tips for Using Lapping Films
- Select Appropriate Film Type: Use alumina for intermediate steps and softer materials; diamond films for harder, brittle, or high-precision applications.
- Use Controlled Pressure: Even, light pressure enhances uniformity and prevents localized wear.
- Keep Surfaces Clean: Clean substrates and film before use to maximize performance and avoid scratching.
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Introduction
Lapping films are precision-coated abrasives used for producing extremely flat surfaces across diverse materials such as semiconductor dies, fiber optics, ceramic capacitors, optical components, and hard drive read-write heads. Their uniform abrasive distribution makes them ideal for applications requiring consistent surface finishes, even across varying material hardnesses.
These films are composed of a durable polyester backing (typically 3 mils) with abrasives fixed in place using an epoxy or adhesive binder. Common abrasive types include diamond, silicon carbide, alumina, and occasionally ceria, selected based on application requirements.
Diamond lapping films use precisely graded diamond abrasives bonded with a flexible, solvent-resistant adhesive. They offer a fixed-abrasive polishing mode, reduced relief compared to cloths, and are excellent for preparing microelectronic specimens for SEM and TEM analysis.
Silicon carbide lapping films feature sharp, angular particles aligned to provide high stock removal rates and minimal damage. These films continuously expose fresh abrasives, making them highly efficient for rapid material removal.
Alumina lapping films utilize aluminum oxide in either the softer gamma or harder alpha phase (up to 2000 HV). These films are typically used for final polishing due to their hardness, consistency, and surface finish quality.
Recommended Procedures (Lapping Films)
For plain backed diamond lapping films
- Wet the flat lap plate with water or a water/ surfactant solution
- Place the plain backed lapping film on the surface
- Roll out or press out any entraped air bubbles
- Apply necessary lubricant
- Begin polishing with lower force to avoid tearing film
- Clean specimen and film for final 10-15 seconds of polishing cycle
- Clean and dry specimens
For PSA backed diamond lapping films
- Place the PSA backed lapping film on the surface
- Apply necessary lubricant
- Begin polishing with lower force to avoid tearing film
- Clean specimen and film for final 10-15 seconds of polishing cycle
- Clean and dry specimens
Troubleshooting for Lapping Films Polishing
| Symptom | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Coarse scratching | -Swarf build-up on the lapping film | -Use a lubricant with an appropriate surfactant |
| Tearing of pad | -Sharp specimen edges | -Reduce intitial applied load so that the specimen edge does not cut the film. Gradually increase pressure during the lapping operation. -Dispense lubricant more frequently |
| Excessive relief or edge rounding | -PSA backing providing too much flexibility (resiliency) -Lapping backing plate surface is not flat |
-Use a plain backed diamond lapping film -Use a flat lapping surface |
Diamond Lapping Films
| Description | Size (inches) | Catalog Number (Plain-backed) | Catalog Number (PSA backed) | Color Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.10 um Diamond Lapping Film | Up to 12-inches | DA-01 | DAA-01 |  |
| 0.25 um Diamond Lapping Film | Up to 12-inches | DA-025 | DAA-025 |  |
| 0.50 um Diamond Lapping Film | Up to 12-inches | DA-052 | DAA-05 | |
| 1 um Diamond Lapping Film | Up to 12-inches | DA-1 | DAA-1 |  |
| 3 um Diamond Lapping Film | Up to 12-inches | DA-3 | DAA-3 |  |
| 6 um Diamond Lapping Film | Up to 12-inches | DA-6 | DAA-6 |  |
| 9 um Diamond Lapping Film | Up to 12-inches | DA-9 | DAA-9 |  |
| 15 um Diamond Lapping Film | Up to 12-inches | DA-15 | DAA-15 |  |
| 30 um Diamond Lapping Film | Up to 12-inches | DA-30 | DAA-30 |  |
Diamond Lapping Film Lubricants
| Description | Quantity (oz) | Catalog Number |
|---|---|---|
| 32 oz Diamond Lapping Film Lube | 32 | LFL-032 |
| 1 gallon Diamond Lapping Film Lube | 128 | LFL-128 |
Silicon Carbide Lapping Films
| Description | Size (inches) | Catalog Number (Plain-backed) | Catalog Number (PSA backed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 um silicon carbide | Up to 12-inches | SIC-001PB-3 | SIC-001PSA-3 |
| 3.0 um silicon carbide | Up to 12-inches | SIC-003PB-3 | SIC-003PSA-3 |
| 5.0 um silicon carbide | Up to 12-inches | SIC-005PB-3 | SIC-005PSA-3 |
| 9.0 um silicon carbide | Up to 12-inches | SIC-009PB-3 | SIC-009PSA-3 |
| 12 um silicon carbide | Up to 12-inches | SIC-012PB-3 | SIC-012PSA-3 |
| 20 um silicon carbide | Up to 12-inches | SIC-020PB-3 | SIC-020PSA-3 |
| 30 um silicon carbide | Up to 12-inches | SIC-030PB-3 | SIC-030PSA-3 |
Alumina Lapping Films
| Description | Size (inches) | Catalog Number (Plain-backed) | Catalog Number (PSA backed) | Color Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.05 um alumina (ALO) | Up to 12-inches | ALO-105PB-3 | ALO-105PSA-3 |  |
| 0.30 um alumina | Up to 12-inches | AL-103PB-3 | AL-103PSA-3 | |
| 1.0 um alumina | Up to 12-inches | AL-001PB-3 | AL-001PSA-3 |  |
| 3.0 um alumina | Up to 12-inches | AL-003PB-3 | AL-003PSA-3 |  |
| 5.0 um alumina | Up to 12-inches | AL-005PB-3 | AL-005PSA-3 |  |
| 9.0 um alumina | Up to 12-inches | AL-009PB-3 | AL-009PSA-3 |  |
| 12 um alumina | Up to 12-inches | AL-012PB-3 | AL-012PSA-3 |  |
| 15 um alumina | Up to 12-inches | AL-015PB-3 | AL-015SA-3 |  |
| 30 um alumina | Up to 12-inches | AL-030PB-3 | AL-030PSA-3 |  |