Patent ID: 7718511

Claim:
A processing method for a wafer, comprising: preparing a wafer which has a device region having plural devices formed on a surface of the wafer; forming a peripheral reinforcing portion which is integrally formed around the device region on a rear surface of the wafer, and wherein the peripheral reinforcing portion includes a ring-shaped projection extending away from the device region; holding the wafer on a holding surface of a rotatable holding table such that the rear surface of the wafer is exposed and the surface of the wafer closely contacts the holding table; and thinning the ring-shaped projection by cutting and removing at least a portion of the peripheral reinforcing portion of the wafer by using a cutting tool having a rotational shaft parallel to the holding surface, while rotating the wafer by rotating the holding table after the holding of the wafer; wherein the peripheral reinforcing portion is thinned so as to have a thickness equal to or thinner than that of the device region by the thinning.