--- 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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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) - [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 --- ## [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 J 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) --- ## [Designing for IPC Class III: Meeting Aerospace-Grade PCB Standards](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-for-ipc-class-iii-meeting-aerospace-grade-pcb-standards) [![PCB manufactured for Class III application](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcb-manufactured-for-class-III-application.jpg "PCB manufactured for Class III application")](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-for-ipc-class-iii-meeting-aerospace-grade-pcb-standards) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on August 25, 2026 at 8:43 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When starting a new PCB design or revision, considering the end application is usually at the forefront. Most of what we produce here at Epec is built to IPC-6012, the latest revision and Class II. Industry standards, as defined, and, of course, customer specifications, fabrication drawings, and the purchase order related to it are all taken into consideration, but these are typically part of the fabrication-to-quote and occur when the design is complete. So, what should be considered long before the quote and purchase? [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-for-ipc-class-iii-meeting-aerospace-grade-pcb-standards) --- ## [Designing User Interfaces for Marine and Outdoor Equipment](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-user-interfaces-for-marine-and-outdoor-equipment) [![User interface keypad used in a marine application](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/keypad-used-in-a-marine-application.jpg "User interface keypad used in a marine application")](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-user-interfaces-for-marine-and-outdoor-equipment) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on August 19, 2026 at 8:48 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Walk outside and look around. Chances are you will interact with several [human-to-machine electronic interfaces](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/) before the day is over. You may use the keypad at a gas station, enter a code on a garage door opener, check a trail camera in the woods, or navigate using a chartplotter multifunction display (MFD) on a boat. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-user-interfaces-for-marine-and-outdoor-equipment) --- ## [Material Selection for Flex Circuits in High-Cycle Applications](https://blog.epectec.com/material-selection-for-flex-circuits-in-high-cycle-applications) [![A flex circuit demonstrating a bend that is below the minimum bend radius for the design](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/flex-circuit-demonstrating-minimum-bend-radius.jpg "A flex circuit demonstrating a bend that is below the minimum bend radius for the design")](https://blog.epectec.com/material-selection-for-flex-circuits-in-high-cycle-applications) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on August 11, 2026 at 9:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In [flexible circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/), one of the most common usages involves bending the circuit repeatedly. Just as it is in the name, the circuit has to be able to flex, sometimes tens of times, sometimes hundreds or thousands of times over the entire lifespan. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/material-selection-for-flex-circuits-in-high-cycle-applications) --- ## [Packaging Materials That Improve Battery Safety and Thermal Stability](https://blog.epectec.com/packaging-materials-that-improve-battery-safety-and-thermal-stability) [![Battery pack with thermal gap pads used in an aerospace application](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/battery-pack-with-thermal-gap-pads.jpg "Battery pack with thermal gap pads used in an aerospace application")](https://blog.epectec.com/packaging-materials-that-improve-battery-safety-and-thermal-stability) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on August 6, 2026 at 9:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Battery packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) are expected to do more today than ever before. Devices are getting smaller, runtimes are getting longer, charging speeds are increasing, and power demands continue to rise across industries ranging from [medical devices](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/battery-packs-for-medical-devices.html) and industrial equipment to consumer electronics and transportation systems. As these demands increase, thermal management and safety have become some of the most important aspects of battery pack design. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/packaging-materials-that-improve-battery-safety-and-thermal-stability) --- ## [Ruggedizing Cable Assemblies for Military and Aerospace Applications](https://blog.epectec.com/ruggedizing-cable-assemblies-for-military-and-aerospace-applications) [![Common cable assemblies used in military and aerospace applications](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/cable-assemblies-used-in-military-and-aerospace-applications.jpg "Common cable assemblies used in military and aerospace applications")](https://blog.epectec.com/ruggedizing-cable-assemblies-for-military-and-aerospace-applications) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on July 28, 2026 at 8:42 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Military](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/military-wire-harnesses.html) and aerospace systems operate in some of the harshest environments imaginable. Whether installed on a military ground vehicle, commercial aircraft, unmanned aerial system, naval vessel, or satellite subsystem, cable assemblies are routinely exposed to vibration, shock, temperature extremes, moisture, harsh chemicals, and electromagnetic interference. In these applications, reliability is not simply desirable, it is essential. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/ruggedizing-cable-assemblies-for-military-and-aerospace-applications) [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/page/2) --- ### Recent Posts --- ### Posts by Topic - [Printed Circuit Boards (160)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (137)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) - [Battery Packs (121)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) - [Cable Assemblies (102)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cable-assemblies) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCB's (95)](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 (30)](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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