KIC Press Release February 20, 2007 - KIC Advances the Wave Solder Management Process with the New KIC 24/7 Wave

(San Diego, CA -- February 20, 2007) : KIC, the leader of thermal process development and control products, and winner of multiple industry awards, introduces the new KIC 24/7 Wave. The numerous process management capabilities such as automatic profiling, real-time process monitoring with instant alarm on out-of-spec situations, automatic SPC charting, process traceability etc., are now available for the wave solder process.

The wave solder process is notoriously difficult to control in a consistent fashion. For the first time, KIC can transition the management of this unpredictable process from an art form to a science. Embedded sensors in the preheat section, wave and conveyor continuously monitor the temperatures and conveyor speed. The KIC 24/7 Wave measures the profile for each product as it exits the wave solder machine. Pertinent process data such as maximum preheat temperature, slope, wave temperature and more are recorded in real-time along with their "fit" to the relevant process window.

The KIC 24/7 Wave eliminates the need for periodic profiling of the wave solder machine, and it can shut down the in feed conveyor the instant an out-of-spec situation occurs. Additionally, the automatic SPC capability that comes standard with the KIC 24/7 Wave calculates the Cpk for each processed product, and it will warn on an out-of-control process the instant the Cpk number drops below a user selectable level. The KIC 24/7 Wave also provides full process traceability. The profile and its fit to the available process window is recorded and stored, and may be retrieved at any point in the future.

A key feature of the KIC 24/7 Wave is its exceptional ease of use despite the many advanced capabilities. The intuitive and graphical-based software, as opposed to the old-fashioned pull-down menu format, makes system operation quick and convenient, and lends itself to quick personnel training. The responsible process engineer can establish the parameters that control quality and productivity, while delegating operation of the KIC 24/7 Wave to technicians or operators.

The KIC 24/7 Wave automates most of the tasks associated with managing the wave solder process. The system promises to elevate the wave solder process quality and productivity while providing full process traceability.

About KIC
Based in San Diego, KIC is the industry leader in automated thermal management tools and systems for reflow, wave, cure and semiconductor thermal processes. The company pioneered the development of oven profilers and process development tools. KIC remains on the leading edge of the thermal industry with innovative tools for process development, optimization and real-time management.