Precious metals and precious metal coated wire (bonding wire)

(＊)Source: SEMI Global Semiconductor Packaging Materials Outlook - 2024 Edition

Core Technology

Technologies nurtured through engagement with precious metals

TANAKA ELECTRONICS has advanced metal processing technologies, such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al) ultra-fine wires developed through the manufacturing of bonding wires, precious metal coatings, high-purity melting, and micro-rolling. TANAKA ELECTRONICS will apply these technologies to contribute to fields such as jewelry, medical, automotive, next-generation communications, and energy saving.

Ultra-Fine Wire

We specialize in the drawing of ultra-fine precious metal wires. Drawing is a processing method in which metal materials are passed through a tool called a die and processed into wire form. Using our unique drawing technology developed over many years, we carry out delicate wire diameter reduction using dozens of dies, achieving precious metal wire drawing with diameters as small as 10 μm. In combination with our unique winding technology, we can also produce ultra-fine wires with a length of over 5,000 m.

High-Purity Melting

Using proprietary melting technology, we can manufacture high-purity alloys with trace amounts of added elements at just ppm levels.
We also use our unique vacuum melting technology to provide high-purity materials. By optimizing the wire drawing and heat treatment processes, we can control the crystal structure and offer products with extremely high uniformity even in ultra-fine wires with diameters of a few tens of micrometers.

Micro Rolling

Rolling is a processing method in which metal materials are fed into rotating rolls to manufacture thin and flat ribbon materials. Using its unique technology to roll wires with a diameter of 100 to 600 μm, TANAKA has succeeded in manufacturing ribbon materials without burrs on the end faces, which is not possible with slitting. In order to meet the need for advanced bondability for automotive devices, the company has also reduced the surface roughness of its products to an average of 1 μm or less and has implemented surface cleanliness management equivalent to that of bonding wires to provide semiconductor-quality products.

Precious Metal Coating

In order to meet the various needs of semiconductor mounting, we apply precious metal coatings to clean wires processed using our unique processes to add various functions.
For example, in recent years, we have succeeded in significantly improving oxidation and corrosion resistance by coating copper wires with the precious metal palladium.

Manufacturing processes that support our top share in the world

Integrated production in clean rooms

All processes from melting to wire drawing and winding are carried out in clean rooms under strict management. This allows us to offer products with minimal surface contamination that are extremely clean.

Bonding Wire Manufacturing Process

1. Melting
The process of casting alloy materials with various functions by melting high-purity metals and trace-addition elements.

2. Wire Drawing
A process in which metal is made thinner and wire-like using a tool called a die.

3. Annealing
Process for adjusting the hardness of wire by annealing it to change its crystal structure

4. Coating
A process in which precious metals are coated on the surface of wires to impart functions such as corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance.

5. Winding
Process of winding wire onto a spool while minimizing scratches on the manufactured wire

TANAKA ELECTRONICS's New Challenges

TANAKA ELECTRONICS aims to create new value based on the technologies developed in the semiconductor field.

Wire Rod for Jewelry

Our technology and materials
Expanding beyond "semiconductors" to "jewelry"

Gold bonding wire, a key semiconductor material.

Taking advantage of its high purity and high quality,
We will also offer it as a new wire material for jewelry.

Beautiful "glow" and "golden color"
Proof that it is a high-quality wire

We take on new challenges based on stable material quality.

Wire materials that utilize the technology cultivated in semiconductors
It was made into a thin, beautifully shining chain.

Developed pure gold stronger than conventional pure gold using technology developed through bonding wire manufacturing

Higher wire strength than conventional pure gold

Conventional pure gold is soft,
It could not be applied to products that required strength.

We have cultivated our expertise in manufacturing bonding wires.
Using this technology, we have succeeded in developing high-purity, high-strength pure gold.

Reference: Strength of 0.3mmΦ chain

Chain strength can be increased compared to conventional chains
With the manufacturing technology we have cultivated through our bonding wire business,
Able to provide stable Au wire.

Customer Feedback

In recent years, partly due to soaring precious metal prices, there has been an increasing number of customers who want to wear items with asset value, leading to a rise in the purchase of pure gold necklaces.
As a background, the new material pure gold necklace has higher hardness and tensile strength than conventional materials, so even if it is thin, the links are less likely to deform and break. This characteristic has made it possible to offer several types of pure gold chains, from simple classic designs to more elaborate ones.
The product allows customers to enjoy the beauty and brilliance of the precious metal itself, and has increased strength compared to conventional chains, making it a chain that can be confidently used on a daily basis.
This necklace can be worn on its own or with a pendant, and is popular among a wide range of customers.
As of the end of November 2024, the number of necklaces sold has increased to about 2.5 times that of the previous year.

By using a new material, the quality has become stable, and equipment adjustments are no longer required when changing setups.
In addition, the chain-forming properties are extremely good, and there has never been an abnormal stop of the chain-forming machine. This is the first time this has happened with pure gold.

Compared to conventional pure gold, the new material has higher chain strength, and when processed into 0.4 mm double curb chain, it achieved 1.6 times the strength of conventional chains.

Medical Wire Rod

Soft gold wire is a precious metal wire that is ideal for markers on catheters and guidewires used in minimally invasive treatment. In order to improve the accuracy of radiation therapy, we offer gold wire with high purity and strength that is difficult to penetrate X-rays and has high visibility.

【Features】

High purity (99.99% or higher)
High X-ray Radiopacity
Low contamination
Wire diameter 10 to 100µm
High biocompatibility (no use of unsafe elements)

*We can also custom-make products with different purity, wire diameter, etc. Please feel free to contact us.

Au micro pin (Φ60um×L55um)

High-purity Au wire is soft, making it difficult to produce ultra-small pins by cutting. Our Au wire has a purity of 99.99%, allowing the manufacture of ultra-small pins with a minimum diameter of Φ60um. We can provide small sample quantities for testing.