KIC, a global leader in thermal process control solutions for electronics manufacturing, will highlight a range of advanced profiling innovations at the 2026 APEX EXPO, taking place March 17-19 at the Anaheim Convention Center. At Booth 2702, KIC will demonstrate how its solutions help manufacturers gain deeper, more practical insight into soldering processes and equipment performance.
One of the latest innovations is KIC HeatMapTM oven monitoring, part of the Thermal Analysis System (TAS) software. With a unique and easily installable multi-thermocouple probe, HeatMapTM keeps track of oven performance between profiles, using the SPS or X5 profiler for data collection. This maximizes the profiler equipment utilization by up to 84%, transforming traditional profiling hardware into a real-time oven performance monitoring tool. By continuously measuring oven zone behavior, HeatMapTM enables manufacturers to identify thermal drift and oven performance inconsistencies that are often missed with periodic, static profiling. The result is faster diagnostics, improved process stability, and more consistent production results.
In addition, KIC will showcase its vibration measurement capability for the SPS Smart Profiler. Available within TAS software, vibration data is captured alongside temperature profiles to provide additional visibility into mechanical influences during the soldering process. Sources such as conveyors, chains, rails, fans, and product transfer mechanisms can introduce vibration that may contribute to defects. By monitoring vibration as part of routine profiling, manufacturers gain a more complete understanding of process conditions and can better support preventative maintenance efforts.
KIC will also feature its vapor phase profiling solution, including a purpose-built vapor phase shield designed to protect KIC’s profiler models in the condensing vapor and vacuum environments. The shield allows reliable temperature profiling in vapor phase reflow systems while maintaining profiler safety and durability. A quick-latch, tool-free design ensures ease of use while precision sealing supports repeatable, dependable operation.
KIC HeatMapTM, together with all the Thermal Analysis System software solutions, enables manufacturers to move beyond basic temperature measurement toward continuous, data-driven process control.
To learn more about KIC’s profiling and process control solutions, visit Booth 2702 at the 2026 APEX EXPO or visit www.kicthermal.com.
