A method for the separation of multiple dies during semiconductor fabrication is described. On an upper surface of a semiconductor wafer containing multiple dies, a seed metal layer may be used to grow hard metal layers above it for handling. Metal may be plated above these metal layers everywhere except where a block of stop electroplating (EP) material exists. The stop EP material may be obliterated, and a barrier layer may be formed above the entire remaining structure. The substrate may be removed, and the individual dies may have any desired bonding pads and/or patterned circuitry added to the semiconductor surface. The remerged hard metal after laser cutting and heating should be strong enough for handling. Tape may be added to the wafer, and a breaker may be used to break the dies apart. The resulting structure may be flipped over, and the tape may be expanded to separate the individual dies.