Patent ID: 7392732

Claim:
A method for scribing semiconductor wafers, said method comprising the steps of: supporting a semiconductor wafer on a support; positioning a scribing tool above the supported semiconductor wafer, said scribing tool including a tool body having a yoke with yoke legs defining a space therebetween, a semiconductor wafer scribing wheel in said space and an axle having a longitudinal axis extending between said yoke legs and supporting said semiconductor wafer scribing wheel for rotation about a rotational axis co-axial with said longitudinal axis; bringing said semiconductor wafer scribing wheel into engagement with said semiconductor wafer; exerting pressure on said semiconductor wafer with said semiconductor wafer scribing wheel; while maintaining pressure on said semiconductor wafer with said semiconductor wafer scribing tool, causing relative movement between said scribing tool and said semiconductor wafer to move said semiconductor wafer scribing wheel across a surface of said semiconductor wafer while rotating said semiconductor wafer scribing wheel about said rotational axis to form a scribe line in said semiconductor wafer; engaging opposed sides of said semiconductor wafer scribing wheel with bearings to resist sideways deflection of said semiconductor wafer scribing wheel; and adjustably moving the semiconductor wafer scribing wheel within said space to a desired predetermined location relative to said yoke legs prior to bringing said semiconductor wafer scribing wheel into engagement with said semiconductor wafer, movement of said semiconductor wafer scribing wheel accomplished by changing positions of said bearings relative to said yoke.