Method and apparatus for fabricating elongate crystalline members
US6205993A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/0281
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for fabricating elongate structural members from a unitary blank of crystalline material is provided. The blank has a predetermined length, width, and depth. A first substantially planar cut is made in the blank, the cut extending substantially along the entire length of the blank and substantially less than the entire width of the blank. At east one additional cut is made in the blank, the at least one additional cut extending in the same plane as the first cut, to cut the blank into two pieces. The step of making at least one additional cut can include making a plurality of additional cuts, in one embodiment at least three additional cuts. The cuts can be made using a rotary saw with a blade having diamond-coated cutting surfaces. The saw can be operated with the blade rotating at between 50 rpm and 50,000 rpm, preferably at approximately 4,000 rpm. The blank of crystalline material can be provided as a unitary blank of silicon material. The method of the present invention can be practiced using monocrystalline silicon material or polyaystalline silicon material. In an embodiment, the blank can be provided as a generally cylindrical blank. The step of making a first subs…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.