Year 2000 saw the "C" Series finally replace the venerable "A" Series, and now witnesses the transition from "C" to "D". The "C" Series brought forth improvements to the core X-Y-Z manipulator – independently guided and locked axes – but retained the "A" Series tool assembly. Now "D" Series brings across the revolutionary "E" wire clamps and groups them with their drive motor and a full wavelength transducer on a new tool assembly pivoted as before. The X-Y-Z follower mechanism has improved linear ways and accepts the new tool assemblies of the wire bonders as well as other cast-body tool assemblies.

The angled wedge wire bond configuration is shown below.

Machines of this series bond aluminum or gold wires from 0.0007 in. to 0.002 in. diameter, gold ribbon 0.0005 in. by 0.002 in. through 0.001 in. by 0.010 in. by the wedge-wedge technique using ultrasonic energy to attach aluminum wire at room temperature and adding work piece heat for gold wire. Wire is fed to the work point by two methods selectable by exchange of wire clamps; either diagonally through the heel of the bonding wedge, or vertically down through a hollow wedge. Either allows programmed motions to clamp, break, and feed wire continuously, but requires front-to-back bonding direction

The all-new tool assembly of this series features wire clamps brought over from "E" Series. The Clamps are air-opened and spring-closed, and have self-contained closure pivots. A separate pivot about an axis located to serve both overhead and angled feed generates the clamp motions along their lines of feed action. To change between angled feed and overhead feed, it is necessary only to exchange the small clamp assemblies and to change the wire drag means. Alignment of clamps to the tool is facilitated by individual adjustments along three axes. Actuation of all clamp motion is by the same spiral cam of an onboard motor. Appropriate clamp motion settings for each method are configured in software and are retained in non-volatile memory. Motions toward the tool are spring-driven, while the more powerful motor drives away from the tool – to ease concerns during set-up.

The ultrasonic transducer is K~Sine Model K~74D-W, 1½ wavelength, operating at a nominal frequency of 63 kHz and with tool length of 0.750-in. dropped 0.656-in.below center. Ultrasonic power supply is K~Sine built-in, five Watts, dual channel.

Two values of bond force in the overall range of 18 to 90 grams are adjusted at the tool assembly as two preset positions of a compression spring. Either high or low force setting can be programmed for each bond. Initiation of bonding is upon the opening of the firing switch.

The elevation at which to feed new wire is measured from each bond by an optical encoder on the Z Axis. More importantly, this encoder can initiate clamp re-closing to control wire loop arch consistently. Radiant tool heat with panel mounted, constant current control is included.

Protection against Electrostatic Discharge is implemented by finishing exposed tool assemblies and other moving parts by Electroless Nickel plating, which is conductive; and all exposed painted parts with a powder-coated paint that is dissipative.

Control of machine logic, motor motions, and Ultrasonic energy is programmed to and executed by West·Bond Part No 8100 CPU containing a Motorola 68000 microprocessor and 256 KB of nonvolatile RAM. All machine configuration constants and bond settings are programmable at the machine panel, prompted by a series of "screens" displayed on a 4-line 40-character LCD. Three separate buffers of bond settings for a wire type can be entered and selected during bonding by a selector switch. Each wire type can have approximately 21 stitch bonds, each with its own settings of ultrasonic power and time. All programmed values are displayed during bonding. At "home", various options are enabled.

• Model No. 7476D. This machine with interchangeable wire clamps for bonding by either angled-feed or vertical-feed wedge bond methods.
• Model No. 7440D. Insulated Wire Bonder Series, -- see separate specification.
• Model No. 7603D. This machine with dedicated deep access (vertical feed) clamps, to accommodate a 3/32" diameter bonding wedge for large ribbon ranging from 0.001 X 0.012 through 0.001 X 0.020-in.

• Feature No. 79. Adjustable height work platform.

The microscope recommended for this series is Nikon SMZ660 with the "Luxuray" LED No. 10265.01 illuminator. Neither microscope nor illuminator are included. One recommended bonding tool is included.

Compressed air, regulated to 50 psig, is required. Connection is via 1/4-inch tubing.

Electrical service required is 100-120 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 2 Amps. For 200-240 VAC, an external step-down transformer is required which must be secured by end-user as electrical codes vary from country to country.

Machine size is 22" deep X 19" wide X 12" high, exclusive of microscope, or 18" in height to scope eyepieces. Weight is 60 lb. uncrated, or 95 lb. crated.