--- title: Epec's Blog | Al Wright (3) description: ~ In Memoriam ~ Al was in the industry for more than 35 years, and 18 of those years were at Epec up until he passed away in December 2019. As field application engineer, he handled a wide range of responsibilities, including reviewing PCB designs for manufacturability during the quoting and design stage, interacting with off-site manufacturing facilities to solve technical issues during production, and programming CNC machines for in-house projects, reworks, and modifications. Al’s technical expertise was essential to Epec’s engineering department and provided valuable insight when working with customers. Prior to working at Epec, Al spent 20 years with CPC Incorporated, a medium-sized PCB manufacturer, learning hands-on about PCB processing before moving into front end engineering. Al brought a wealth of impressive expertise to Epec and worked with more than 50,000 different PCB designs from his start in 1981 through 2019. He worked with Epec’s team to get all designs right ahead of time so that products were correct the first time. Most recently, Al was instrumental in helping Epec establish its heavy copper PCB business along with being the company’s resident PCB expert. In 2020, the Richard “Al” Wright Memorial Scholarship was established. The money will be awarded annually to two local high school STEM students. (3) --- [![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/) - [Industries Served](https://www.epectec.com/about/industry/) - [Acquisitions](https://www.epectec.com/about/acquisitions.html) - [Operations](https://www.epectec.com/operations/) - Back - [Operational Excellence](https://www.epectec.com/operations/) - [Quality Philosophy](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-philosophy.html) - [Quality Assurance Process](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-assurance-process.html) - [Global Operations](https://www.epectec.com/operations/global-operations.html) - [Logistics & Supply Chain](https://www.epectec.com/operations/logistics-and-supply-chain.html) - [Inventory Stocking](https://www.epectec.com/operations/inventory-stocking.html) - [Approvals](https://www.epectec.com/operations/approvals.html) - [ITAR Registered](https://www.epectec.com/operations/itar-registered.html) - [Engineering](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/overview/) - Back - [Engineering Overview](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/overview/) - [Engineering Support](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/support/) - [Design Services](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/design-services/) - [EpecDFx™](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/epecdfx/) - [Free DFM File Check](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/free-dfm.html) - [PCB Impedance Calculator](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/impedance-calculator.html) - [Products](https://www.epectec.com/products/) - Back - [Overview](https://www.epectec.com/products/) - [Battery Packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCBS](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) - [Cable Assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/) - [Printed Circuit Boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) - [CNC Machining](https://www.epectec.com/cnc-machining/) - [User Interfaces](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/) - [Flexible Heaters](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) - [EC Fans & Motors](https://www.epectec.com/fans-motors/) - [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) - [Home](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - Al Wright 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 ![Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/al-wright.jpg "Al Wright") ## Al Wright ~ In Memoriam ~ Al was in the industry for more than 35 years, and 18 of those years were at Epec up until he passed away in December 2019. As field application engineer, he handled a wide range of responsibilities, including reviewing PCB designs for manufacturability during the quoting and design stage, interacting with off-site manufacturing facilities to solve technical issues during production, and programming CNC machines for in-house projects, reworks, and modifications. Al’s technical expertise was essential to Epec’s engineering department and provided valuable insight when working with customers. Prior to working at Epec, Al spent 20 years with CPC Incorporated, a medium-sized PCB manufacturer, learning hands-on about PCB processing before moving into front end engineering. Al brought a wealth of impressive expertise to Epec and worked with more than 50,000 different PCB designs from his start in 1981 through 2019. He worked with Epec’s team to get all designs right ahead of time so that products were correct the first time. Most recently, Al was instrumental in helping Epec establish its heavy copper PCB business along with being the company’s resident PCB expert. In 2020, the Richard “Al” Wright Memorial Scholarship was established. The money will be awarded annually to two local high school STEM students. ### Recent Posts --- ## [Outline of Circuit Board Blind Vias Process Costs](https://blog.epectec.com/outline-of-circuit-board-blind-vias-process-costs) [![Printed Circuit Board Using HDI Technology](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/printed-circuit-board-using-hdi-technology.jpg "Printed Circuit Board Using HDI Technology")](https://blog.epectec.com/outline-of-circuit-board-blind-vias-process-costs) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on October 5, 2017 at 11:37 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Miniaturization in electronics drives the need for both component and [printed circuit board designers](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/layout-and-design.html) to work within ever-shrinking footprints in order to remain competitive. The signal routing requirements for many ball grid array (BGA) components are such that through hole via drilling is becoming less and less practical. This makes it necessary in many instances to use blind vias to form interconnections between layer pairs. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/outline-of-circuit-board-blind-vias-process-costs) --- ## [PCB Design Considerations for Tight Spacing](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-considerations-for-tight-spacing) [![Teardrop Smallest Via](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/teardrop-smallest-via.jpg "Teardrop Smallest Via")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-considerations-for-tight-spacing) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on September 14, 2017 at 10:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Printed circuit boards (PCBs) continue to shrink. As each generation of miniaturized components comes along, board designers find themselves able to work within ever-smaller PCB footprint sizes. While this is great news for consumers (compare the size of a 1994 portable phone to one of today’s models) it presents difficulties for fabricators. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-considerations-for-tight-spacing) --- ## [PCB Layout Manufacturing Best Practices](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-layout-manufacturing-best-practices) [![PCB Minimum Spacing Copper to Copper](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/pcb-minimum-spacing-copper-to-copper.jpg "PCB Minimum Spacing Copper to Copper")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-layout-manufacturing-best-practices) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on August 10, 2017 at 2:12 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) As [printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) continue to become smaller and more densely populated, design decisions made during PCB layout have a direct impact on fabrication, assembly, and overall manufacturability. Careful planning of via treatment, trace widths, spacing, and solder mask requirements can help reduce manufacturing issues, improve process margins, and support successful production. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-layout-manufacturing-best-practices) --- ## [Creating Standard PCB Fabrication Notes](https://blog.epectec.com/creating-standard-pcb-fabrication-notes) [![Example of PCB Fabrication Notes](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/example-of-pcb-fabrication-notes.jpg "Example of PCB Fabrication Notes")](https://blog.epectec.com/creating-standard-pcb-fabrication-notes) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on February 15, 2017 at 10:34 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When placing an order or requesting a quotation for [printed circuit boards](http://www.epectec.com/pcb/) (PCB), it is extremely important to clearly state all of your requirements as completely as possible. While this may seem obvious, it is surprisingly common for PCB fabricators to submit a pricing estimate to the customer based on information supplied within the request for quotation, only to receive additional information after pricing and delivery have already been agreed upon and a purchase order issued. If the new information affects the price and/or lead time, the fabricator must notify the customer of the changes in terms. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/creating-standard-pcb-fabrication-notes) --- ## [PCB Design For Manufacturability Analysis: Beyond DRC](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-for-manufacturability-analysis-beyond-drc) [![DFM Analysis of Drawing Stackup](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/circuit-board-dfm-analysis-of-drawing-stackup.jpg "DFM Analysis of Drawing Stackup")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-for-manufacturability-analysis-beyond-drc) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on May 4, 2016 at 2:46 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Your [PCB design](http://www.epectec.com/pcb/layout-and-design.html) for manufacturing is critical to the success of your final application. Design features which make your board difficult to build add cost to your product, either by slowing down the production process, or by increasing the scrap rate. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-for-manufacturability-analysis-beyond-drc) --- ## [Controlling PCB Costs: Part 2](https://blog.epectec.com/controlling-pcb-costs-part-2) [![Good-Yielding Sub-Panels for 18X24 Sheet Stock](https://www.epectec.com/images/pcb-18x24-panel-explained.jpg "Good-Yielding Sub-Panels for 18X24 Sheet Stock")](https://blog.epectec.com/controlling-pcb-costs-part-2) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on June 19, 2015 at 2:30 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## PCB Laminate Utilization - Part and Panel Size: In our [first post on controlling PCB costs](https://blog.epectec.com/controlling-pcb-costs-part-1), we detailed many of the common cost drivers people face and ways to avoid them. For part 2 of controlling costs, we are focusing on one example that can cost a lot of dollars: PCB laminate costs and utilization Printed circuit boards are run through the fabrication process in sheet form, typically with rows and columns of identical circuit boards or sub-panels on a single sheet, which are later cut out for shipment. One of the biggest potential cost adders in [PCB manufacturing](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/manufacturing-capabilities.html) is that of a poor-yielding PCB or sub-panel. While this is true for even the least complex PCBs, it is especially true for multilayers. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/controlling-pcb-costs-part-2) --- ## [Controlling PCB Costs: Part 1](https://blog.epectec.com/controlling-pcb-costs-part-1) [![Typical cross-section for a 12-layer PCB with a total of 4 drill cycles and 2 laminations](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/cross-section-for-12-layer-pcb.jpg "Typical cross-section for a 12-layer PCB with a total of 4 drill cycles and 2 laminations")](https://blog.epectec.com/controlling-pcb-costs-part-1) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on May 29, 2015 at 1:20 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Avoiding Expensive PCB Materials & Processes [Printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) are only one component of an entire assembly designed to meet the best cost-to-performance ratio possible. The finished product into which the PCB is installed must meet a price point that compares favorably against competing products, so the lower the expenses, the more money your product returns. In order to make the best choices during the design cycle, it is important to first understand what drives the primary costs. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/controlling-pcb-costs-part-1) --- ## [PCB Fabrication Data File Requirements](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-fabrication-data-file-requirements) [![Example of PCB Fabrication Data Package](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/example-of-pcb-fabrication-data-package.jpg "Example of PCB Fabrication Data Package")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-fabrication-data-file-requirements) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on September 17, 2014 at 12:08 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Accurate PCB fabrication begins with a complete and standardized data package. The preferred format is Gerber Extended (RS274X), which should be configured as the default output in the CAD system. This format is used directly for artwork plotting and avoids the interpretation issues that can arise with other file types. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-fabrication-data-file-requirements) --- ## [PCB Wave Soldering And Minimum Pitch Distance](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-wave-soldering-and-minimum-pitch-distance) [![Illustration of Solder Thief Pad in a Printed Circuit Board](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/illustration-of-solder-thief-pad-in-a-printed-circuit-board.jpg "Illustration of Solder Thief Pad in a Printed Circuit Board")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-wave-soldering-and-minimum-pitch-distance) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on August 7, 2014 at 2:46 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Wave soldering, the process of attaching electronic components to the printed circuit board (PCB), becomes increasingly difficult as pitch decreases. Pitch is the center-to-center spacing between the conductors on a PCB. So, knowing that wave soldering becomes harder with lower pitch measurements, what is the minimum pitch distance you should maintain on circuit boards? With the appropriate controls, it is still possible to get a good result with pitches as low as 0.5mm (.0197"). [Wave soldering defects](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/wave-soldering-defects/) can occur in pitches below 0.5mm, so we recommend this as the *minimum* pitch to wave solder a PCB. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-wave-soldering-and-minimum-pitch-distance) --- ## [Why Should You Fill or Plug A Circuit Board Via?](https://blog.epectec.com/why-fill-or-plug-a-circuit-board-via) [![Printed Circuit Board Surface Mount Pad After Via Pad Process](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/printed-circuit-board-surface-mount-pad-after-via-pad-process.jpg "Printed Circuit Board Surface Mount Pad After Via Pad Process")](https://blog.epectec.com/why-fill-or-plug-a-circuit-board-via) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on June 20, 2014 at 2:53 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When it comes to printed circuit board manufacturing, there are a [variety of PCB via process requirements](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/plug-via-process.html) to consider. Each has their own pros, cons, and cost adders so knowing these requirements can aid you when designing your circuit boards. In this post we will discuss the differences for why you would either fill or plug a circuit board via. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/why-fill-or-plug-a-circuit-board-via) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright/page/2) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright/page/4) --- ### 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 (101)](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? [![Request Design Support](https://blog.epectec.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/design-support-ad.jpg?width=350&name=design-support-ad.jpg)](https://info.epectec.com/request-design-support) Our team of engineers are here to help you with all your product needs. [Request Design Support](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/0d3cd574-22cb-48a2-867e-1a7ffba28403) Manufacturing That Eliminates Risk & Improves Reliability [sales@epectec.com](mailto:sales@epectec.com?subject=Website%20Information%20Request) [(888) 995-5171](tel:888-995-5171) ##### Support & Contact Our knowledgeable staff has many years of experience in the industry. We welcome the opportunity to put our skills to work for you! Please contact us with any questions or requests. - [176 Samuel Barnet Blvd, New Bedford, MA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q6JVMv3eQgw29fNY8) - [sales@epectec.com](mailto:sales@epectec.com?subject=Website%20Information%20Request) - [(888) 995-5171](tel:888-995-5171) --- ###### Certifications [![UL Certified Manufacturer](https://www.epectec.com/images/certified-ul.png "UL Certified Manufacturer")](http://www.ul.com/) [![ITAR Registered Manufacturer](https://www.epectec.com/images/certified-itar.png "ITAR Registered Manufacturer")](https://www.epectec.com/operations/itar-registered.html) [![RoHS Compliant Manufacturer](https://www.epectec.com/images/certified-rohs-compliant.png "RoHS Compliant Manufacturer")](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/rohs-compliant.html) [![ISO9001 Certified Manufacturer](https://www.epectec.com/images/certified-iso9001.png "ISO9001 Certified Manufacturer")](https://www.epectec.com/operations/approvals.html) [![ISO27001 Certified Manufacturer](https://www.epectec.com/images/certified-iso27001.png "ISO27001 Certified Manufacturer")](https://www.epectec.com/operations/approvals.html) --- - ##### About - [Company Overview](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - [Our History](https://www.epectec.com/about/our-history/) - [Culture](https://www.epectec.com/about/culture/) - [Industries Served](https://www.epectec.com/about/industry/) - [Acquisitions](https://www.epectec.com/about/acquisitions.html) - ##### Operations - [Operational Excellence](https://www.epectec.com/operations/) - [Quality Philosophy](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-philosophy.html) - [Quality Assurance Process](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-assurance-process.html) - [Global Operations](https://www.epectec.com/operations/global-operations.html) - [Logistics & Supply Chain](https://www.epectec.com/operations/logistics-and-supply-chain.html) - [Inventory Stocking](https://www.epectec.com/operations/inventory-stocking.html) - [Approvals](https://www.epectec.com/operations/approvals.html) - [ITAR Registered](https://www.epectec.com/operations/itar-registered.html) - ##### Engineering - [Engineering Overview](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/overview/) - [Engineering Support](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/support/) - [Design Services](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/design-services/) - [EpecDFx™](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/epecdfx/) - [Free DFM File Check](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/free-dfm.html) - [PCB Impedance Calculator](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/impedance-calculator.html) - ##### Products - [Overview](https://www.epectec.com/products/) - [Battery Packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCBS](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) - [Cable Assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/) - [Printed Circuit Boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) - [CNC Machining](https://www.epectec.com/cnc-machining/) - [User Interfaces](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/) - [Flexible Heaters](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) - [EC Fans & Motors](https://www.epectec.com/fans-motors/) ##### Social Community Join our Social Community and keep in touch with all our latest technology investments, current news, upcoming events, and promotions. --- © 2026 Copyright Epec, LLC. All Rights Reserved. [Tariff Resources](https://www.epectec.com/tariff-resources/)|[Privacy Policy](https://www.epectec.com/privacy-policy/)|[Term & Conditions](https://www.epectec.com/terms/site.html)|[Sitemap](https://www.epectec.com/sitemap.html)