Methods and apparatus for controlling warpage in wafer level packaging processes

Methods and apparatus for producing fine pitch patterning on a substrate. Warpage correction of the substrate is accomplished on a carrier or carrier-less substrate. A first warpage correction process is performed on the substrate by raising and holding a temperature of the substrate to a first temperature and cooling the carrier-less substrate to a second temperature. Further wafer level packaging processing is then performed such as forming vias in a polymer layer on the substrate. A second warpage correction process is then performed on the substrate by raising and holding a temperature of the substrate to a third temperature and cooling the substrate to a fourth temperature. With the warpage of the substrate reduced, a redistribution layer may be formed on the substrate with a 2/2 [mu]m l/s fine pitch patterning.