WESTFORD, MA -- Feb. 21, 2001 -- GenRad, Inc. [NYSE: GEN] a global leader in electronics manufacturing productivity solutions, today announced two major product advances in X-Ray test technology designed to improve product quality while increasing electronics manufacturers profitability.

The "next generation" 2D and 3D AXI platforms announced today by GenRad's Imaging Systems unit establish a new global standard for X-Ray-based imaging products by delivering unprecedented levels of image resolution and test-time execution. With prices beginning under $300,000, GenRad sets a new entry-level price for the most advanced X-Ray technology available today. Delivery begins in the late second quarter, 2001.

"Our latest patented X-Ray technologies clearly set a new performance standard for AXI testing. This higher level of performance helps increase production line performance and delivers higher product quality that can yield improved profitability for contract and original equipment manufacturers worldwide," said Ron Lindell, vice president of GenRad's Process Solutions line of business, which is responsible for Imaging Systems.

"X-Ray testing technologies are increasingly critical to the manufacturers of advanced electronic printed circuit boards because PCBs are increasingly compact, complex and dense with components that prevent effective testing by traditional visual and contact methods," Lindell said. "Introduction of our new AXI platforms positions GenRad for significant growth in this market space, which is expected to grow 40 percent annually through 2003."

GEN's new X-Ray inspection systems will debut at the EtroniX tradeshow in Anaheim, CA, Feb. 27 through Mar. 1, 2001 They are part of GenRad's family of imaging systems developed by GenRad Imaging Solutions [previously Nicolet Imaging Systems], acquired by GEN in March, 2000.

The new automated systems feature high-speed, high-resolution X-Ray testing stations for printed circuit boards as large as 18-inches x 20-inches. These new testing stations introduce two major innovations by GenRad.

• First is a flat screen based X-Ray imaging detector coupled with high-speed and high-resolution digital based optics. This provides improved image resolution at a larger field-of-view to meet the increasing requirements for smaller packages and faster production rates.
• Secondly, these new testing stations use a unique, rugged table design that contributes to high speed testing through their inherent low-vibration attributes; testing of thin-film or panelized boards do not require vibration settling time as is required by other systems on the market. The resulting high speed extends the use of X-Ray inspection to the desired level of 100 percent in-line inspection.

XStation, Transmissive X-Ray Inspection Systems

The new patented Transmissive X-Ray system models are the GR-X 4005TM and GR-X 4010TM. They offer the fastest throughput in the industry and are able to provide a testing rate above 5.0 square inches per second, compared to competitive systems that offer less than 2.5 square inches per second. The field of view can be customized between 1.1 inches and 0.5 inches to meet specific inspection requirements.

XStation 3D - Digital Tomosynthesis X-Ray Inspection Systems The XStation 3D represents a unique industry innovation. It combines the production proven Transmission AXI technique together with the Digital Tomosynthesis into a single chassis. The new Digital Tomosynthesis X-Ray system models are the GR-X 7005TM and GR-X 7010TM, offering a testing rate of up to 3.0 square inches per second.

The 3D images are created using GenRad's patented Digital Tomosynthesis. The 2D high-resolution mode while providing the fastest throughput is especially useful for making volumetric measurements and for the quick and accurate detection of shorts. The field of view can also be customized to between 0.8 inches and 0.5 inches to meet specific inspection requirements.

Key features of the new X-Ray systems include:

• Industry-leading throughput.
• Advanced X-Ray tube technology, and high-speed optics, providing higher quality imaging and lower maintenance costs.
• LINUXTM operating system with all 32-bit architecture.
• GR Alchemist IIITM, GenRad's general purpose integrated software package with an all-new function board viewer.
• Easy to Use Graphical User Interface.
• SMEMA compatible auto width conveyor handling system.
• Minimal footprint of less than 6 x 5 feet.
• Worldwide support and training included.

Technical Reference

For technical reference, the new GR-X 4005TM and GR-X 4010TM Transmissive X-Ray systems are manufactured under patents RE35,423 and 5,541,856. The 3D images are created using GenRad's Digital Tomosynthesis technique under patents 5,594,770 & 5,500,886.

About GenRad

GenRad Inc. [NYSE: GEN] is a global leader of electronics manufacturing productivity solutions for contract and original equipment manufacturers [OEM] of handheld and wireless devices, PCs and business servers, DSL and other broadband switching and routing technologies, and other devices integral to emerging Internet e-commerce markets. GenRad also applies its technologies to development of diagnostic solutions for the automotive and general transportation industry.

GenRad is comprised of four lines of business bringing to market integrated hardware, software and service solutions that empower always-on services and un-interruptable business applications:

• Process Solutions focuses on in-circuit test, x-ray test, and re-work solutions as well as plant and line management solutions for electronic product manufacturers.
• Functional Solutions focuses on functional test platforms for manufacturers of telecommunications, computers and automotive electronics.
• Diagnostic Solutions focuses on service bay and manufacturing solutions for transportation OEMs and independent service providers.
• Support and Services focuses on maintenance programs, on-site and remote support, programming services, and training to help customers optimize their hardware and software solutions.

Founded in 1915, GenRad employs approximately 1,400 people and maintains its worldwide headquarters in Westford, MA, USA. The company's Web address is http://www.genrad.com.