KIC Press Release February 9, 2000 - KIC Introduces SlimKIC 2000 for Faster, Easier Profiling

(San Diego, CA -- February 9, 2000) : KIC Thermal Profiling introduces the new SlimKIC™ 2000 pass-through Thermal Profiler with advanced new hardware and powerful next-generation software to make oven profiling faster, easier and more precise.

The new SlimKIC 2000 thermal profiler incorporates up to 12 thermocouples, including an "air" thermocouple (Patent Pending) mounted on the leading edge of the board. This advanced new thermocouple eliminates the need for measuring or mapping and captures process temperatures more accurately, in less time than traditional profiling requires.

The powerful new user interface on the SlimKIC 2000 determines process acceptability instantly, using "traffic light" signals to provide information to operators. Red indicates that the profile is outside the process window; yellow alerts the user that the profile is close to the edge of acceptable specifications and green signals that the profile data is within the process window.

A built-in library of commonly used materials simplifies the complex task of defining the process window when using either tin-lead solder or lead-free solder, with its limited process window. For most applications, the operator simply selects a solder paste from a pull-down menu. The process window is defined automatically and out-of-spec conditions are flagged immediately. Authorized personnel may edit the process window as needed.

Two models of the SlimKIC 2000 are available. The Datalogger model allows data to be downloaded to the computer after the profiling run. The Dual Unit sends data to the computer via radio waves during the run. At the same time, it stores data internally for wireless downloading after the run, using KIC‘s exclusive new "data dump" feature.

The addition of new KIC Navigator™ software also automates the oven setup process and ensures that the optimal profile is selected. The optional Navigator program targets the appropriate profile to fit within the center of the any process window, including limited lead-free process windows. The program enables the decision-making involved in reflow oven setup to be built into the oven‘s thermal monitoring system, so it is no longer dependent on operator input. The program eliminates the need for decision-making by operators who may have only minimal training.

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.