Patent ID: 7500591

Claim:
A wire bonding system comprising: a transducer; a wire bonding tool configured to be engaged with the transducer; and an EFO wand configured to form a free-air ball at an end of the wire bonding tool, the wire bonding tool comprising: (a) a first cylindrical portion having a first outside diameter, (b) a second cylindrical portion adjacent the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion having a second outside diameter, the second outside diameter being less than the first outside diameter, and (c) a tapered portion adjacent the second cylindrical portion, the tapered portion having a third outside diameter at an end adjacent the second cylindrical portion, the third outside diameter being less than the first outside diameter, wherein an end of the first cylindrical portion adjacent the second cylindrical portion does not extend below the transducer during engagement of the wire bonding tool with the transducer.