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Only One Products
Leadframe Material |
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Working behind the scenes to support information technology
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Leadframes are processed metal products used in semiconductor package devices. Copper alloys have become the main material used in leadframes nowadays, as higher electrical conductivity and heat radiation are required. PCs and cellular phones are becoming smaller and have more functions,
and electronics are increasingly used in automobiles.
Kobe Steel had an early start in developing high-performance and low-cost copper alloys.
Our wide product range of leadframes has received high acclaim by our users.
ICs make up the heart of electronic devices, such as cellular phones, and home electric appliances, that abound in our lives. Much like a centipede, the many legs protruding from an IC are actually part of a leadframe. Under the plastic case of the IC device is the semiconductor chip. The leadframe securely holds the chip and properly conducts electrical signals.
Currently, Kobe Steel has the largest market share of leadframes in Asia, where demand is expected to grow, as well as in Japan. |
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| World-standard copper alloys |
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In 1976, Kobe Steel successfully mass-produced CDA72500,
a copper alloy containing nickel and tin, using a hot rolling process.
CAC92TM, another type of copper alloy with superior characteristics,
was also developed. Used in LEDs, CAC92TM has become the standard alloy
for leadframes for mini-transistors.
KFCTM (Kobe Ferrous Copper), commercialized in 1977, is a precipitation
hardened copper alloy containing iron and phosphorus. The alloy has
electrical characteristics similar to pure copper while maintaining
high strength and heat resistance. KFCTM was a revolutionary product
when it was first brought on the market. As the patent for the alloy
has expired, other companies have released similar products. Approximately
5,000 metric tons of this alloy are produced each month throughout
the world, of which Kobe Steel produces 2,000 metric tons and the
rest is supplied by other companies. |
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| Starting with KFCTM |
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KFCTM is the world standard for leadframe materials
used in discrete devices (single-function semiconductor devices such
as transistors). KLFTM-2, KLFTM-4, KLFTM-5, and KLFTM-7, developed for higher
strength, are all derived from KFCTM.
However, the early stages of KFCTM's development were problematic. As
production rose, defects piled up. The R&D people had their hands
full, coping with quality improvement and dealing with complaints.
Not only the R&D division, but also the manufacturing and marketing
departments, pitched in to overcome mounting challenges. |
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| Maintaining the top share |
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Reaching the limits of the test equipment, Kobe
Steel decided to conduct trials on a regular production line, yielding
excellent results. After further development, mass production, which
had seemed to be impractical, was made possible by hot rolling the
Corson alloy (Cu-Ni-Si). Kobe Steel was the first to achieve this
breakthrough.
The efforts paid off. Kobe Steel, whose market share was seventh in
1976, has maintained the top share - 30% of the Asian market - since
the 1990s. |
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| Shifting production to Asia |
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Leadframes are the nerves of IC chips. As IC chips
increase in performance and become smaller, better heat dissipation,
improved strength, and higher precision are required, while production
costs must be kept down. Accordingly, copper manufacturers are fiercely
competing to develop new materials.
On the other hand, semiconductor manufacturers are shifting production
to Asia to reduce costs. The market for leadframe materials is expected
to further expand in Asia, especially China. |
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* KFC, KLF and CAC are trademarks of Kobe Steel , Ltd. |
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Aluminum & Copper Company
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