Compression Molding
Compression molding is the encapsulation method that cures molding compound by compressing material directly over package arrays in a closed mold - it is widely used for thin packages and panel-level formats requiring lower flow-induced stress.
What Is Compression molding?
- Definition: Measured compound is placed on the panel or strip, then compressed to fill the mold area.
- Flow Profile: Shorter flow distance reduces shear impact compared with transfer molding.
- Package Fit: Common in fan-out and advanced thin-package manufacturing.
- Cure Control: Temperature and pressure profile determine void behavior and final warpage.
Why Compression molding Matters
- Wire Sweep Reduction: Lower flow stress helps protect fine-pitch interconnect structures.
- Thin Form Factor: Supports ultra-thin package requirements with better thickness control.
- Panel Compatibility: Scales well for large-area molding processes.
- Yield Potential: Can improve uniformity in advanced package architectures.
- Process Sensitivity: Material dosing and mold-planarity errors can create voids or thickness variation.
How It Is Used in Practice
- Material Dosing: Control compound volume accurately to avoid overflow or underfill.
- Tool Flatness: Maintain mold parallelism and cleanliness for uniform thickness.
- Warpage Monitoring: Track post-mold warpage across panel area for process tuning.
Compression molding is a key encapsulation approach for advanced and thin semiconductor packages - compression molding is most effective when dosing accuracy and mold mechanical control are tightly maintained.