Lead Frames

Semiconductors are ubiquitous in today’s vehicles, appliances, manufacturing equipment, and consumer devices. Specialized metal parts called lead frames are integral to connecting them to other internal electronics.

Lead frames are usually made from thin metal and have intricate designs that require precision manufacturing. At Keats Manufacturing, we have expertise in lead frame stamping. Learn more about our capabilities and how lead frames are used in several industries.

What Are Lead Frames?

Lead frames are critical components in devices, equipment, and sensors that use semiconductors. They are thin, flat metal components with intricate cutouts that connect the terminals on a semiconductor to the PCBs and circuitry surrounding it, enabling electricity and signal transmission. They can be manufactured by photo etching or metal stamping.

At Keats, we stamp custom lead frames for customers in the medical, electronics, telecommunications, automotive, and other industries. Each stamping project is designed to be physically robust and made from conductive materials that can withstand harsh operating conditions.

Keats’s Capabilities

Keats manufactures custom metal parts with fourslide, multislide, and progressive stamping to meet your requirements. We use stamping equipment in a range of tonnages that can accommodate materials in many thicknesses for precision manufacturing. Depending on the size, geometry, and intricacy of a lead frame design, stamping operations including piercing, punching, blanking, bending, and others may be used.

Conductivity and strength are important aspects of lead frame designs; therefore, material options frequently include, but are not limited to:

• Copper and copper alloys containing iron, tin, nickel, etc.
• Iron-nickel alloys
• Aluminum
• Pre-plated materials
• And others

In addition to stamping, we offer secondary services including plating, e-coating, heat treating, austempering, stress relieving, vacuum hardening, and oil quenching. Protective tape and reel, packaging, and just-in-time (JIT) delivery is also available. We can accommodate orders with a production capacity of up to 50 million pieces in a year.

Keats is an ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949 certified manufacturer of metal stampings, wire forms, and assemblies, and we are dedicated to quality management and outstanding customer service.

Industrial Applications

Lead frames of many shapes and sizes are used in everything from vehicle sensors to consumer electronics to manufacturing equipment and beyond. They are a critical part of ensuring proper signal transmission in complex electronics and control systems. These are just a few of the most common applications for lead frames.

Medical

Lead frames are essential in medical devices like diagnostic equipment, patient monitoring systems, and implantable technologies.

Electronics

Lead frames are used in electronic equipment used in computers and data centers, internal circuitry in appliances and machinery, and consumer electronics products.

Telecommunications

Lead frames are the foundation for power management, reliable connectivity, and high-speed data transfer in telecommunications applications.

Automotive

Lead frames are essential for the electronic systems in most modern vehicles. Keats is IATF 16949 certified and produces custom lead frames for Tier-1 automotive suppliers.

Lead Frames from Keats Manufacturing

At Keats Manufacturing, we are proud to provide custom lead frame stampings for diverse industries. With our advanced stamping and secondary capabilities, multi-industry experience, and dedication to quality, we help our customers achieve reliable performance and long-term success.

Contact us today with questions about our capabilities or request a quote to get started on your next stamping project.