TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo Develops TK-SK Palladium Alloy for High-Performance Probe Pins in Semiconductor Testing
TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo’s focus on developing high-performance materials like TK-SK demonstrates its commitment to supporting the growing semiconductor industry.
TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K., a leading company under TANAKA Precious Metals, has announced the release of TK-SK, a new palladium alloy specifically designed for probe pins used in the final testing stages of semiconductor manufacturing. The new product will be showcased via panel display at SWTest Asia 2024, which will take place on October 24–25, 2024, in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Samples of the TK-SK alloy will be available for shipping by the end of the year.
Features and Advantages of TK-SK Alloy
The TK-SK alloy offers superior hardness, rated at 640HV, making it ideal for test socket applications during the final continuity testing of semiconductor packages (a key back-end process). Traditional palladium alloys used in these applications previously maxed out at 560HV in hardness, limiting their durability. However, using advanced processing techniques, TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo has developed TK-SK to significantly enhance the hardness of the probe pins while maintaining machinability and durability.
This new alloy addresses the rising demand for high-hardness probe pins in the semiconductor industry, which must endure intense wear and friction during testing. Probe pins, such as pogo-pin types, often encounter issues like deformation and solder adhesion, which require frequent cleaning and maintenance. The enhanced durability of TK-SK reduces these problems, extending the service life of the pins and lowering maintenance costs for testing equipment.
Overcoming Processing Challenges
Harder materials are often more challenging to machine, and there is an increased risk of breakage during processing. TANAKA’s TK-SK alloy overcomes these challenges with proprietary processing technology, ensuring that the pins remain durable while also being easy to machine. The improved hardness means the probe pins are less likely to deform during repeated contact with test substrates, making them highly suitable for demanding semiconductor testing environments.
The company aims to increase production volumes by 1.5 times by 2028, anticipating a growing need for robust and reliable probe pins as the semiconductor industry expands in the coming years.
Exhibition at SWTest Asia 2024
TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo will display the TK-SK palladium alloy at SWTest Asia 2024 along with other advanced materials, including:
- TK-FS wire and sheet
- Copper-silver alloy (TK-101 sheet) for probe pins
- Precious metal plating solutions for probe cards
The exhibition will be held at the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk on:
- October 24 (10:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
- October 25 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Visitors can find TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo at Booth No. 210 to explore the TK-SK alloy and other innovative products for semiconductor testing.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Semiconductor Market Growth
TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo’s focus on developing high-performance materials like TK-SK demonstrates its commitment to supporting the growing semiconductor industry. As semiconductor technologies evolve, the need for high-precision, durable testing components will continue to rise. TANAKA’s new palladium alloy offers an innovative solution, reducing equipment downtime, extending component lifespans, and improving overall testing efficiency.
For more information, visit the official SWTest Asia 2024 website: https://www.swtestasia.org.
