Polishing machine work piece holder

Abstract

A work piece holder is provided for use in a polishing machine. The work piece holder has a frame composed of a thermoset material and/or a thermoplastic material. The frame has at least one cavity for receiving and supporting a work piece to be polished in the polishing machine. A polymer film is permanently affixed in the at least one cavity.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A work piece holder for use in a polishing machine, the work piece holder having a frame composed of a thermoset material and/or a thermoplastic material, the frame having at least one cavity for receiving and supporting a work piece to be polished in the polishing machine, a polymer film being permanently affixed in the at least one cavity. 
     
     
         2 . The work piece holder of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer film is produced by skiving, extruding or casting. 
     
     
         3 . The work piece holder of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a first frame portion and a second frame portion, the first frame portion having at least one through opening formed therein. 
     
     
         4 . The work piece holder of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer film and frame are adapted to withstand an operating environment having a pH<5 and a pH>9. 
     
     
         5 . The work piece holder of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer film results in elimination of back staining during operation of the polishing machine. 
     
     
         6 . The work piece holder of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is visually transparent. The work piece holder of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one cavity having an open end and a closed end, the polymer film permanently affixed to the closed end. 
     
     
         8 . The work piece holder of claim  7 , wherein the at least one cavity defining a counterbore. 
     
     
         9 . A work piece holder for use in a polishing machine, the work piece holder having a frame composed of a thermoset material and/or a thermoplastic material, the frame having at least one cavity for receiving and supporting a work piece to be polished in the polishing machine, a polymer film being permanently affixed in the at least one cavity, wherein the frame comprises a first frame portion and a second frame portion, the first frame portion having at least one through opening formed therein. 
     
     
         10 . The work piece holder of  claim 9 , wherein the polymer film and frame are adapted to withstand an operating environment having a pH<5 and a pH>9. 
     
     
         11 . The work piece holder of  claim 9 , wherein the polymer film results in elimination of back staining during operation of the polishing machine. 
     
     
         12 . The work piece holder of  claim 9 , wherein the frame is visually transparent. 
     
     
         13 . The work piece holder of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one cavity having an open end and a closed end, the polymer film permanently affixed to the closed end. 
     
     
         14 . The work piece holder of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one cavity defining a counterbore.