Capacity Improvement for Transfer Molding Trough Reduction of Mold Curing Time
Lester Joseph T. Belalo *
Process Engineering, STMicroelectronics, Inc. Calamba City, Laguna, 4027, Philippines.
Maiden Grace R. Maming
Process Engineering, STMicroelectronics, Inc. Calamba City, Laguna, 4027, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This paper will discuss the improvement made to increase machine capacity in order to be prepare for incoming demand ramp-up and to free up machine allocation to back-up automotive machine. Using DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) approach, mold curing time identified as the top contributor during time study of the process with 120 secs consumed time per shot. A Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Curability Curve study for molding compound was conducted from both internal and external expertise to get the optimum lower range of cure time. Considering all the quality risk using Risk assessment, the success of reducing Mold curing time from 120secs to 80secs increases 25% machine capacity of transfer Molding for Quad Flat No leads(QFN) / Quad Flat No leads multi-Row(QFN-mR) with significant cost savings. The project was able also to free up 3 molding system to support upcoming products.
Keywords: Capacity, transfer mold, mold curing time, cure time reduction.