Patent ID: 6919532
Filing Date: 2005-07-19
Classification: B23K,H05K

Abstract:
1. In a miniature component carrier having a thin, resilient mask through which multiple slots are formed, each of the multiple slots being of nominal size and shape to compliantly receive and hold a miniature component, a method of forming the slots in the resilient mask, comprising: providing a support blank of thin elastomeric material that is flexible and operationally adequately absorbs light included within a light absorption wavelength range, the support blank including a composition of an elastomeric material and a light absorptivity enhancement material, the elastomeric material imparting elastic properties to the support blank to make it flexible and the light absorptivity enhancement material imparting light absorptivity properties to the support blank to make it operationally adequately absorb light included within the light absorption wavelength range but not to operationally change the elastic properties; providing a laser beam of a wavelength that is included within the light absorption wavelength range; directing the laser beam to the support blank; and moving the laser beam and support blank relative to each other such that the laser beam is incident on the support blank to cut multiple slots with repeatable, precise dimensions and thereby form a slotted resilient mask, each of the slots cut to have opposed slot side margins shaped to grip between them a miniature component and hold it in a controlled orientation.