KIC, a global leader in thermal process control solutions for electronics manufacturing, will present new research examining thermocouple attachment methods and their impact on reflow profiling accuracy at the SMTA Carolinas Chapter Technical Meeting on March 4, 2026, in Charlotte, NC.
Miles Moreau, General Manager of KIC, will deliver the technical presentation, “Thermocouple Tactics: A Comparative Study of Attachment Methods,” during the in-person event hosted at The Light Source. The evening includes dinner, networking, and a facility tour.
As PCB designs become more thermally sensitive and densely populated, precise control of the reflow profile is critical to preventing defects and maintaining yield. While time-temperature profiling is standard practice, the accuracy of that data depends heavily on how thermocouples are attached to the board.
The research, conducted at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), evaluates commonly used attachment methods—including polyimide tape, aluminum tape, high-temperature solder, and thermally conductive adhesives—on modern high-density interconnect (HDI) boards. The study compares performance, consistency, and measurement stability to identify techniques that provide the most dependable results in production environments.
“Engineers rely on profiling data to make process decisions,” said Moreau. “If the attachment method introduces variability, it can affect those decisions. This study helps manufacturers understand which techniques provide stable and trustworthy measurements.”
With over 30 years at KIC, Moreau brings extensive expertise in electronics assembly thermal processes, including soldering and curing. Throughout his career, he has served in roles spanning field service engineering, software and hardware design, R&D management, and product management. As General Manager with responsibility for the Americas and Europe, he continues to guide KIC’s product roadmap and share his knowledge through conferences and workshops worldwide.
The session is particularly relevant for process and manufacturing engineers responsible for reflow performance, production ramps, and changeovers, as well as quality professionals focused on maintaining consistent outcomes.
To learn more, visit www.kicthermal.com.
