Test Socket Contact Plates

<p>If you know anything about the microchip manufacturing process, you'll know that it's nothing short of a miracle that we're able to manufacture such intricate devices with no defects. One of the important steps in the IC lifecycle is the testing process which tests the chips under various environmental conditions to ensure they are functioning properly under the conditions they are likely to encounter. Test sockets are used throughout the manufacturing process to create a temporary connection between the IC and the testing equipment. </p><p>Just as integrated circuits come in all shapes and sizes, so too do the test sockets that are used. The IC test socket body or housing is often made of high-performance plastic materials like PEEK, PEI(polyetherimide), or PAI(polyamide-imide) when tested in moderate temperature ranges between -67 F° to 356 F°, while higher temperature requirements often use polyimide materials. All plastic and composite test socket materials need to meet certain material characteristics, such as having high dimensional stability, low water absorption, low thermal expansion, sufficient stiffness, and low internal stress. They also need to exhibit these characteristics over a wide temperature range. Additionally, plastic materials need to be able to accommodate fine hole and pitch sizes, as well as exceed electrical requirements. </p><p>There are several material options to choose from when considering a suitable material for your test socket contact plates. In no particular order, a few notable materials are:</p><p><strong>TECAPEEK CMF</strong> - Tecapeek CMF is a composite material based on Victrex® PEEK 450G which is filled with ceramic. This material has been designed and manufactured specifically with the requirements of IC test sockets in mind. The ceramic fillers offer excellent dimensional stability and machinable tight-tolerances. Tecapeek CMF is an extruded plate, so it provides less residual stresses compared to injection molded plates, which enables less warpage and bending during machining. Tecapeek is also available in a static dissapative version with comparable properties for enhanced machinability. </p><p><strong>Semitron® MP 370</strong> - Semitron MP 370 is also a ceramic filled modified PEEK which is purpose built for the semiconductor manufacturing industry and utilized in test socket applications. It has excellent machinability for complex geometries and very low moisture absorption. Semitron MP 370 is also able to maintain outstanding strength and dimensional stability in thin cross sections. The Semitron® grade of semiconductor thermoplastics are purpose built for demanding electronic devices and manufacturing equipment. </p><p>If you have an upcoming project that requires precision machined test socket parts, give us call send us your project requirements on our <a href="https://insulfab.com/quote" target="_blank">quote</a> page or <a href="https://insulfab.com/contact" target="_blank">contact</a> page.</p>