An investigation of tool wear in the dam-bar cutting of integrated circuit packages

Dam-bar cutting is a mechanical trimming process in which the dam-bar between the leads of an integrated circuit (IC) package after post-molding process and deflashing is pieced out. Premature wear of the dam-bar cutting tool leads to higher operating costs and loss of production. In this paper, an investigation has been made to study the effects of punch–die clearance, leadframe materials, tool materials, tool coatings, punch shear and cutting speed on the wear of dam-bar cutting tools. The relationships between the punch flank wear, burr height and the dam-bar cutting force are also explored. Hence, critical factors are determined to optimize the tool life and improve the quality of the dam-bar cutting process.