KIC Press Release February 26, 2002 - KIC Wins Third Vision Award In Four Years

(San Diego, CA -- February 26, 2002) : KIC is proud to announce that the KIC 24/7 was awarded the 2001 SMT Vision Award in the software category at APEX 2002. The Vision Award for the 24/7 is KIC‘s second consecutive award and third win in four years.

The KIC 24/7 automated reflow management system enables users to increase manufacturing efficiencies by automating process development and control. The system combines continuous SPC charting, line balancing, documentation, and production traceability into one software package, adding a new level of automation to the thermal process. The KIC 24/7 automatically provides real-time process data to engineers and managers, allowing them to make critical decisions affecting production costs and quality. And the KIC 24/7 includes a zero-defect fail-safe system that alarms before the process drifts out-of-spec.

Process data is automatically charted for all critical process specs: peak temperature, soak time, time above liquidus, etc. The data is plotted on real-time control charts and Process Capability (Cpk) is calculated for each spec. Any process drift outside of the control limits will bring an immediate alarm. This allows the 24/7 to automatically catch potential defects before they happen, rather than discovering actual defects in "Inspection". The KIC 24/7 automatically calculates and records a unique product profile including all process data for every product that exits the oven.

In 1998, KIC‘s Auto-Predict won, as did the KIC-Pilot self-profiling oven software in 2000. The Vision Awards, presented annually by SMT Magazine, recognize companies that have uniquely advanced surface mount technology or demonstrated "visionary" development of new products to meet the challenges facing the electronics assembly industry.

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.