KIC Press Release July 7, 2003 - KIC Introduces Thermal Shield Solutions

(San Diego, CA -- July 7, 2003) : KIC, the leader of thermal process development and control software and winner of multiple VISION awards, announces new Thermal Shield Solutions in various sizes and models to fit individual shielding needs.

The standard thermal shield solution is 1/8" thick and is shipped with all SlimKICs. Additionally, the 1/4" shield is available and offers better thermal protection than the standard shield. If used correctly, these shields have the capability of holding up for several years. For use with vapor phase applications, a watertight barrier is needed to keep both shield sizes as well as the SlimKIC moisture-free. For use with wave soldering applications, the shields should be protected from foam or spray flux. This is because the flux will stain and saturate the shields, causing them to become oily and hazardous to handle.

The next shield type -- the Low-Rider -- is a SlimKIC cover that is used for processes that have low height clearance and where the standard SlimKIC shield is too tall to pass through. This shield can be used in combination with other shields to provide added thermal protection. Additionally, it is available for all SlimKIC models, including SlimKIC 2000.

The Lead-free shield is KIC‘s highest temperature rated thermal shield and can be used in applications up to 350C. Designed for use with lead-free solder processes, this shield can be used only in combination with the standard shield.

The final shield in the solution is the Long Duration, which is KIC‘s largest thermal shield. This shield is designed for long duration -- 30 to 60 minutes -- and like both the standard and 1/4" shields the material can withstand temperatures up to 300C. Additionally, this shield has the capability of holding up for several years and a variation of this shield is offered for powder coating applications.

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.