Used K&S 4526 Manual Wedge Bonder

The K&S 4526 is a manual wedge bonder from the Kulicke & Soffa 4500 series, designed specifically for wedge bonding with aluminum or gold wire. It is primarily intended for laboratory R&D and specialized packaging applications.

Core Positioning and Operation

The system operates in a fully manual mode, where the operator controls the vertical movement (Z-axis) of the bonding head independently of the X/Y-axis positioning. This design is well-suited for R&D tasks requiring precise manipulation, such as electrical interfacing for micro/nano-devices or deep-cavity interconnects in microwave and optoelectronic packaging. For instance, the NanoFab laboratory at NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) utilizes this equipment for both gold and aluminum wire bonding.

Key Specifications

The machine supports gold and aluminum wires, with a typical wire diameter of 25 µm. The work stage can reach temperatures of up to 125 °C, and the system features a motorized "Auto Stepback" function on the Y-axis, allowing for precise control over wire length and loop formation. Optional 90-degree clamps and wire spools are available to facilitate deep-cavity access.

Summary

As a classic manual wedge bonder compatible with both gold and aluminum wires, the K&S 4526 remains in use today—particularly within universities and research institutions—for the interconnection of micro/nano-devices. Most K&S 4526 units currently available on the market are pre-owned (second-hand) equipment.