--- title: Epec's Blog | Paul Tome description: "As Product Manager of Flex & Rigid-Flex Circuits, Paul oversees our entire flex & rigid-flex product line. Though Paul's main responsibility is customer technical support, he is involved in each project from the beginning conceptual stages to delivery. He works directly with customers on their specific design requirements and makes sure that each product is designed correctly, troubleshooting any issues that may arise in the process.\n\nPaul came to Epec with 24 years of a great variety of experience in the electronics industry. He has been involved in all aspects of the industry including sales, engineering, and manufacturing. He has worked with PCBs and equipment manufacturing and has also been the owner of an engineering service and trust bureau.\n\nPreviously, he was president at Advanced Circuit Services. Paul's experience and expertise make him an indispensable part of Epec's team.\n\nPaul holds a mechanical engineering degree from Seneca College." --- [![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/) - Paul Tome 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 ![Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/paul-tome.jpg "Paul Tome") ## Paul Tome As Product Manager of Flex & Rigid-Flex Circuits, Paul oversees our entire flex & rigid-flex product line. Though Paul's main responsibility is customer technical support, he is involved in each project from the beginning conceptual stages to delivery. He works directly with customers on their specific design requirements and makes sure that each product is designed correctly, troubleshooting any issues that may arise in the process. Paul came to Epec with 24 years of a great variety of experience in the electronics industry. He has been involved in all aspects of the industry including sales, engineering, and manufacturing. He has worked with PCBs and equipment manufacturing and has also been the owner of an engineering service and trust bureau. Previously, he was president at Advanced Circuit Services. Paul's experience and expertise make him an indispensable part of Epec's team. Paul holds a mechanical engineering degree from Seneca College. ### Recent Posts --- ## [Overview of Via Holes in Flexible Circuit Board Designs](https://blog.epectec.com/overview-of-via-holes-in-flexible-circuit-boards-designs) [![Cross section of via in flexible area](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/cross-section-of-via-in-flexible-area.jpg "Cross section of via in flexible area")](https://blog.epectec.com/overview-of-via-holes-in-flexible-circuit-boards-designs) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on April 18, 2023 at 9:01 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Devices are becoming smaller and thinner, requiring circuit boards that can fit into the equipment without adding any additional weight while being flexible enough to route around components. [Flexible printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) offer high-density electrical connections while also reducing space. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/overview-of-via-holes-in-flexible-circuit-boards-designs) --- ## [The Future of Rigid-Flex PCBs in Electronics Manufacturing](https://blog.epectec.com/the-future-of-rigid-flex-pcbs-in-electronics-manufacturing) [![Various rigid-flex PCBs used in medical, military, and portal devices](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/various-rigid-flex-circuit-boards.jpg "Various rigid-flex PCBs used in medical, military, and portal devices")](https://blog.epectec.com/the-future-of-rigid-flex-pcbs-in-electronics-manufacturing) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on December 20, 2022 at 9:11 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Rigid-flex circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) are the integration of [rigid PCB technology](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) with flexible circuit technology in one unit that is capable of both interconnect and operating functions in a device. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/the-future-of-rigid-flex-pcbs-in-electronics-manufacturing) --- ## [Flexible Printed Circuit Board Design Guidelines for Dual Access](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-printed-circuit-board-design-guidelines-for-dual-access) [![Dual access flex circuit with FR4 stiffeners](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/dual-access-flex-circuit-with-fr4-stiffeners.jpg "Dual access flex circuit with FR4 stiffeners")](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-printed-circuit-board-design-guidelines-for-dual-access) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on December 6, 2022 at 8:54 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) There are a wide variety of flexible circuit board design options available to solve interconnect requirements. One of the more unique is a dual access flex PCB construction. This unique construction of a dual access flex circuit can be beneficial for many applications. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-printed-circuit-board-design-guidelines-for-dual-access) --- ## [Flexible Circuit Board Designs with Pressure Sensitive Adhesives](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-circuit-board-designs-with-pressure-sensitive-adhesives) [![Flexible circuit board with 4 PSA sections](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/flex-circuit-example-with-4-psa-sections.jpg "Flexible circuit board with 4 PSA sections")](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-circuit-board-designs-with-pressure-sensitive-adhesives) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on November 22, 2022 at 9:13 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The unique capabilities of [flexible circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) allow for additional design elements that are not available in rigid PCB designs. A very common one is integrating Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA) into the design. A PSA is a double-sided adhesive tape that can serve multiple purposes. The PSA is attached to the flex as part of the manufacturing process and the release film is retained on the exposed side to protect the adhesive until it is installed. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-circuit-board-designs-with-pressure-sensitive-adhesives) --- ## [Differences Between FR4 and Polyimide Materials In Flex Circuits](https://blog.epectec.com/differences-between-fr4-and-polyimide-materials-in-flex-circuits) [![Polyimide flex circuit material cross-section](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/polyimide-flex-circuit-material-cross-section.jpg "Polyimide flex circuit material cross-section")](https://blog.epectec.com/differences-between-fr4-and-polyimide-materials-in-flex-circuits) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on November 8, 2022 at 9:08 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Design teams transitioning from [rigid PCB](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) technology to [flexible circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) often assume that the primary difference between FR4 and polyimide is flexibility. While flexibility is the most visible distinction, these materials also differ significantly in construction, thickness options, copper types, thermal performance, moisture behavior, and electrical properties. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/differences-between-fr4-and-polyimide-materials-in-flex-circuits) --- ## [Why HASL Surface Finish for Flexible Circuit Boards Is Not Recommended](https://blog.epectec.com/why-hasl-surface-finish-for-flexible-circuit-boards-is-not-recommended) [![Fine pitch SMT with HASL surface finish.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/fine-pitch-smt-with-hasl-surface-finish.jpg "Fine pitch SMT with HASL surface finish.")](https://blog.epectec.com/why-hasl-surface-finish-for-flexible-circuit-boards-is-not-recommended) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on October 26, 2022 at 8:48 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Flexible circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) often require surface finishes that support fine-pitch components, reliable interconnects, and demanding manufacturing requirements. While hot air solder leveling (HASL) was once widely used throughout the electronics industry, it is now rarely selected for flexible circuit designs. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/why-hasl-surface-finish-for-flexible-circuit-boards-is-not-recommended) --- ## [Flexible Circuit Boards with Lap Joints: Design Considerations](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-circuit-boards-with-lap-joints-design-considerations) [![2 layer lap joint flex circuit stackup](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/2-layer-lap-joint-flex-circuit-stackup.jpg "2 layer lap joint flex circuit stackup")](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-circuit-boards-with-lap-joints-design-considerations) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on October 18, 2022 at 8:51 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Flex circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) have many unique capabilities to solve design challenges. One of these is a lap joint capability that allows a flexible circuit board to be directly attached to another circuit or component eliminating the need for any type of connector. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-circuit-boards-with-lap-joints-design-considerations) --- ## [How to Avoid Fracturing Traces in a Flexible PCB Design](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-avoid-fracturing-traces-in-a-flexible-pcb-design) [![4 layer rigid flex pcb with epoxy strain reliefs](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/4-layer-rigid-flex-pcb-with-epoxy-strain-reliefs.jpg "4 layer rigid flex pcb with epoxy strain reliefs")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-avoid-fracturing-traces-in-a-flexible-pcb-design) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on October 6, 2022 at 8:19 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Flexible circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) can withstand significant bending when designed and handled within their intended limits, but they are not immune to mechanical failure. When a flex circuit is bent or handled beyond the capabilities of its materials, trace fractures and cracked circuits can occur. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-avoid-fracturing-traces-in-a-flexible-pcb-design) --- ## [Why Heat Dissipation is Important in Flexible Circuit Board Design](https://blog.epectec.com/why-heat-dissipation-is-important-in-flexible-circuit-board-design) [![Multilayer flex circuit with solid copper planes for heat dissipation.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/multilayer-flex-circuit-with-solid-copper-planes-for-heat-dissipation..jpg "Multilayer flex circuit with solid copper planes for heat dissipation.")](https://blog.epectec.com/why-heat-dissipation-is-important-in-flexible-circuit-board-design) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on September 6, 2022 at 8:23 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Heat dissipation is the ability of a part, whether a circuit or any other component, to take the heat that's being generated by a component or an element of the design and to distribute it, dissipate it, and make the heat go away, for lack of a better phrase. This prevents the temperature of the part from continuing to elevate as the device is operated. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/why-heat-dissipation-is-important-in-flexible-circuit-board-design) --- ## [Flex PCB Design Options: PCB Pattern Plating vs. Pad Plating](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-pcb-design-options-pcb-pattern-plating-vs-pad-plating) [![Pad Plating Cross Section](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/pad-plating-cross-section.jpg "Pad Plating Cross Section")](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-pcb-design-options-pcb-pattern-plating-vs-pad-plating) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on May 11, 2022 at 9:21 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Flexibility is a critical element in most [flexible circuit board designs](https://www.epectec.com/flex/). Whether it’s to meet a tight “one-time bend-to-fit” application or a “dynamic” infinite bend cycle application. To meet these requirements, a flex circuit design must be kept as thin as practically possible, use the correct copper type, and utilize the correct copper plating process. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-pcb-design-options-pcb-pattern-plating-vs-pad-plating) [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome/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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