A high-performance hot chuck is designed as a heating device for an ultra-precision flip-chip bonder with infrared alignment system. Analysis of design requirements for thermal performance leads to a radiative heating mechanism employing two halogen lamps as heating source. The heating tool is made of silicon carbide characterized by high thermal diffusivity and small thermal expansion coefficient. Experimental tests are performed to assess heat-up performance and temperature uniformity of the heating tool. It is revealed that the initial design of hot chuck results in a good heat-up speed but there exist a couple of troubles associated with control and integrity of the device. As a means to resolve the raised issues, a revised version of heating tool is proposed, which consists of a working plate made of silicon carbide and a supporting structure made of stainless steel. The advantages of this two-body heating tool are discussed and the improved features are verified experimentally.