--- title: Epec's Blog description: A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. --- [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [About](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - Back - [Company Overview](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - [Our History](https://www.epectec.com/about/our-history/) - [Culture](https://www.epectec.com/about/culture/) - 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[Design Guides](https://www.epectec.com/guides/) - [Design Guides](https://www.epectec.com/guides/) - Back - Resources - Back - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [Contact Us](https://www.epectec.com/contact/) - Back - [Contact Information](https://www.epectec.com/contact/) - [Our Sales Team](https://www.epectec.com/contact/our-sales-team.html) - [Office Locations](https://www.epectec.com/contact/office-locations.html) - [Career Opportunities](https://www.epectec.com/contact/career-opportunities.html) - [InstantPCB*Quote*™](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) - Back - [Overview](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) - [Login](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/) - [Register](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/index2.jsp) [![](https://www.epectec.com/images/InstantPCBQuote-logo.png)](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) [Login](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/) [Register](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/index2.jsp) Register to Quote and Order Your PCBs Fast, Easy & Online, 24/7 - [Home](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) Share This Page: [LinkedIn](https://blog.epectec.com/#linkedin) [X](https://blog.epectec.com/#x) [Facebook](https://blog.epectec.com/#facebook) [Email](https://blog.epectec.com/#email) # Epec's Blog | Electronics Manufacturing Solutions --- ## [Avoiding Fractures and Delamination in Rigid-Flex and Flex Circuits](https://blog.epectec.com/avoiding-fractures-and-delamination-in-rigid-flex-and-flex-circuits) [![A rigid-flex circuit board that has experienced catastrophic failure and delamination due to improper baking and assembly procedures](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/rigid-flex-pcb-with-delamination.jpg "A rigid-flex circuit board that has experienced catastrophic failure and delamination due to improper baking and assembly procedures")](https://blog.epectec.com/avoiding-fractures-and-delamination-in-rigid-flex-and-flex-circuits) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on October 28, 2026 at 9:01 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Flex circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) can be difficult to account for in many areas when designing, to such a large degree that it can be difficult to track every little thing. Some things can even drastically impact a design so much that they can cause fractures in copper, or even worse, delamination. The things that will most impact those failure mechanisms relate back to material selection, design choices, and assembly baking choices. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/avoiding-fractures-and-delamination-in-rigid-flex-and-flex-circuits) --- ## [Ensuring Even Thermal Distribution in Complex Flexible Heater Designs](https://blog.epectec.com/ensuring-even-thermal-distribution-in-complex-flexible-heater-designs) [![Polyimide heater showing localized hotspots](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/polyimide-heater-showing-localized-hotspots.jpg "Polyimide heater showing localized hotspots")](https://blog.epectec.com/ensuring-even-thermal-distribution-in-complex-flexible-heater-designs) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on October 20, 2026 at 8:51 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Flexible heaters](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) are often selected because they can deliver controlled heat in areas where conventional heaters are too rigid, bulky, or difficult to integrate. Their thin construction, custom geometry, and ability to conform to complex surfaces make them useful across medical, industrial, electronics, and food-processing applications. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/ensuring-even-thermal-distribution-in-complex-flexible-heater-designs) --- ## [Understanding UN 38.3 Testing: A Timeline Guide for OEMs](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-un-38-3-testing-a-timeline-guide-for-oems) [![UN 38.3 testing and certification](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/un-38-3-testing-and-certification.jpg "UN 38.3 testing and certification")](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-un-38-3-testing-a-timeline-guide-for-oems) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on October 14, 2026 at 8:59 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Lithium-based batteries](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/custom-lithium-battery-packs.html) offer high-energy density for devices. However, the materials within the cell are extremely unstable and reactive. Due to this issue, these batteries are considered dangerous and hazardous goods under United Nations regulations. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-un-38-3-testing-a-timeline-guide-for-oems) --- ## [Why 130°C and 150°C Tg FR-4 Laminates Are Becoming Harder to Find](https://blog.epectec.com/why-130c-and-150c-tg-fr4-laminates-are-becoming-harder-to-find) [![Printed circuit board manufactured with FR-4 laminate](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcb-manufactured-with-fr-4-laminate.jpg "Printed circuit board manufactured with FR-4 laminate")](https://blog.epectec.com/why-130c-and-150c-tg-fr4-laminates-are-becoming-harder-to-find) Written by [Ed McMahon](https://blog.epectec.com/author/ed-mcmahon) Posted on October 8, 2026 at 8:46 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) For decades, 130°C and 150°C Tg FR-4 materials were widely used throughout the [printed circuit board](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) industry. Many legacy PCB drawings still specify these materials today. However, PCB manufacturers are finding that traditional 130°C and 150°C Tg FR-4 laminates are becoming increasingly difficult to source. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/why-130c-and-150c-tg-fr4-laminates-are-becoming-harder-to-find) --- ## [Designing PCBs for Extreme Environments](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-pcbs-for-extreme-environments) [![PCB designed to perform in all environments](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcbs-in-extreme-environments.jpg "PCB designed to perform in all environments")](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-pcbs-for-extreme-environments) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on September 29, 2026 at 8:59 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) used in extreme environments must withstand temperature extremes, vibration, shock, moisture, chemicals, corrosion, and high electrical stress. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-pcbs-for-extreme-environments) --- ## [Shielded vs. Unshielded Cables: Making the Right Choice](https://blog.epectec.com/shielded-vs-unshielded-cables-making-the-right-choice) [![Foil shield with drain wire](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/foil-shield-with-drain-wire.jpg "Foil shield with drain wire")](https://blog.epectec.com/shielded-vs-unshielded-cables-making-the-right-choice) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on September 23, 2026 at 8:41 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Cable shielding plays an important role in protecting electrical signals from electromagnetic interference, but not every [cable assembly](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/) requires the same level of protection. Adding a shield can improve signal integrity and reduce susceptibility to interference, but it can also increase cable diameter, stiffness, cost, and assembly complexity. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/shielded-vs-unshielded-cables-making-the-right-choice) --- ## [Tips for Designing Cable Assemblies Used in Medical Equipment - Q&A](https://blog.epectec.com/tips-for-designing-cable-assemblies-used-in-medical-equipment-q-and-a) [![Tips for Designing Cable Assemblies Used in Medical Equipment - Q&A](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/email-images/cable-assembly-design-for-medical-diagnostics-equipment.jpg "Tips for Designing Cable Assemblies Used in Medical Equipment - Q&A")](https://blog.epectec.com/tips-for-designing-cable-assemblies-used-in-medical-equipment-q-and-a) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on September 22, 2026 at 9:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) At the conclusion of our webinar, [Tips for Designing Custom Cable Assemblies Used in Medical Diagnostics Equipment](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/09-17-2026/tips-for-designing-cable-assemblies-in-medical-diagnostics-equipment.html), we had several questions submitted to our presenter, Epec Product Manager Team Lead Steven J. Goodman. We compiled these into a readable format on our blog. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/tips-for-designing-cable-assemblies-used-in-medical-equipment-q-and-a) --- ## [How Design Choices Impact Price in Flex PCB Manufacturing](https://blog.epectec.com/how-design-choices-impact-price-in-flex-pcb-manufacturing) [![Flexible circuit board designed to be a coil and lay flat](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/flexible-pcb-designed-to-be-coill-and-lay-flat.jpg "Flexible circuit board designed to be a coil and lay flat")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-design-choices-impact-price-in-flex-pcb-manufacturing) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on September 16, 2026 at 9:07 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Flexible circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) offer advantages that [rigid PCBs](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) cannot, including improved reliability, reduced weight, and the ability to fit into compact or dynamic applications. However, these benefits often come with manufacturing considerations that can influence the overall cost of the finished circuit. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-design-choices-impact-price-in-flex-pcb-manufacturing) --- ## [SolidWorks: Converting a STEP File to a Workable SLDPRT File](https://blog.epectec.com/solidworks-converting-a-step-file-to-a-workable-sldprt-file) [![SolidWorks system options](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/solidworks-system-options.jpg "SolidWorks system options")](https://blog.epectec.com/solidworks-converting-a-step-file-to-a-workable-sldprt-file) Written by [Chandler Jardin](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chandler-jardin) Posted on September 8, 2026 at 9:12 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In the electronics industry, engineers regularly rely on STEP files to share 3D data between customers and external suppliers of components like [cables](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/), [battery packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/), [machined parts](https://www.epectec.com/cnc-machining/), and [more](https://www.epectec.com/products/). [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/solidworks-converting-a-step-file-to-a-workable-sldprt-file) --- ## [Fuel Gauge: The Most Critical Component in Any Battery Pack BMS](https://blog.epectec.com/fuel-gauge-the-most-critical-component-in-any-battery-pack-bms) [![4S2P battery pack with BMS](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/4s2p-battery-pack-with-bms.jpg "4S2P battery pack with BMS")](https://blog.epectec.com/fuel-gauge-the-most-critical-component-in-any-battery-pack-bms) Written by [Dominic Bento](https://blog.epectec.com/author/dominic-bento) Posted on September 2, 2026 at 9:08 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When designing a [battery management system](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/battery-management-systems.html), it is crucial that the correct fuel gauge is selected. Selecting the best-fit fuel gauge for your [battery pack](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) will improve both efficiency and overall accessibility. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/fuel-gauge-the-most-critical-component-in-any-battery-pack-bms) [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/page/2) --- ### Recent Posts --- ### Posts by Topic - [Printed Circuit Boards (162)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (138)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) - [Battery Packs (122)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) - [Cable Assemblies (102)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cable-assemblies) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCB's (96)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flex-rigid-flex-pcbs) - [Electronics Industry (61)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/electronics-industry) - [User Interfaces (55)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/user-interfaces) - [Quality Solutions (33)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/quality-solutions) - [Flexible Heaters (31)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flexible-heaters) - [Events, Training, and Support (9)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/events-training-and-support) - [RF Products (7)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/rf-products) - [CNC Machining (3)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cnc-machining) - [Fans & Motors (1)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/fans-motors) See All --- --- ### Need Help with A Project? 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