News Article
Thunderline-Z Introduces Laser Sealing Services
The laser welders use a combination of continuously variable laser power and pulse shaping to achieve secure welds between lids and package housings.
Thunderline-Z, a supplier of feedthrus and hi-rel packages for the RF/microwave industry, has announced its new laser services for hermetic sealing of high-frequency devices, components and subassembly packages.
By employing the precise control of high-power lasers, including advanced power ramping and pulse-shaping techniques, Thunderline-Z provides hermetic seals for both standard and custom packages including package designs that incorporate posts or pedestals for stability.
These new laser welding services are made possible by a major investment in a pair of high-power industrial-grade lasers from Miyachi Unitek. Thunderline-Z acquired two new Nd:YAG systems, models LW150A and LW500A. The LW150A, with 150-W average power and up to 7-kW peak power, is being used for component attachment within packages, while the higher-power LW500A, with 500-W average power and 7.5-kW peak power, is the workhorse system for sealing lids to packages within a controlled glove box atmosphere.
Compared to conventional solder sealing or seam sealing approaches, laser welding forms a robust, consistent metal-to-metal seal around the perimeter of a package. A laser-welded package maintains hermeticity in the most demanding environments, including Class S (space-based) applications.
Standard hermetic seals are performed in a nitrogen/helium environment.
The laser welders precisely control the optical power applied to a package and a lid to form a consistent, repeatable seal. They use a combination of continuously variable laser power and pulse shaping to achieve secure welds between lids and package housings while working around critical circuit paths.
