--- title: Epec's Blog (17) description: A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (17) --- [![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/) [Battery Packs![Custom Battery Packs](https://www.epectec.com/images/new-nav/flyout-battery-packs.png "Batteries and Custom Battery Packs")](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) --- [CNC Machining![CNC Machining](https://www.epectec.com/images/new-nav/flyout-cnc-machining.png "CNC Machining")](https://www.epectec.com/cnc-machining/) [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCBs![Flex and Rigid-Flex Circuits](https://www.epectec.com/images/new-nav/flyout-flex-and-rigid-flex.png "Flex and Rigid-Flex Circuits")](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) --- [User Interfaces![User Interfaces](https://www.epectec.com/images/new-nav/flyout-user-interfaces2.png "User Interfaces Product Solutions")](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/) [Cable Assemblies![Cable Assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/images/new-nav/flyout-cable-assemblies.png "Cable Assemblies")](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/) --- [Flexible Heaters![Flexible Heaters](https://www.epectec.com/images/new-nav/flyout-flexible-heaters.png "Flexible Heaters")](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) [Printed Circuit Boards![Printed Circuit Boards](https://www.epectec.com/images/new-nav/flyout-printed-circuit-boards2.png "Printed Circuit Boards")](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) --- [EC Fans & Motors![EC Fans and Motors](https://www.epectec.com/images/new-nav/flyout-fans-and-motors.png "EC Fans and 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) [![](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 --- ## [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCBs: Mastering Controlled Impedance and Signals](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-rigid-flex-pcbs-mastering-controlled-and-impedance-signals) [![Rigid-flex circuit board with shielding](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/rigid-flex-circuit-board-with-shielding.jpg "Rigid-flex circuit board with shielding")](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-rigid-flex-pcbs-mastering-controlled-and-impedance-signals) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on December 28, 2023 at 9:13 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Controlled impedance in [flex and rigid-flex printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) requires balancing electrical performance against physical construction. Trace geometry, dielectric constant, distance to the reference plane, shielding method, copper thickness, and layer count can all affect the finished circuit’s thickness and flexibility. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-rigid-flex-pcbs-mastering-controlled-and-impedance-signals) --- ## [Polyimide Flexible Heaters: Durable High-Temperature Performance](https://blog.epectec.com/polyimide-flexible-heaters-durable-high-temperature-performance) [![Various Polyimide/Kapton® flexible heaters are used in a wide range of applications](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/various-polyimide-kapton-flexible-heaters.jpg "Various Polyimide/Kapton® flexible heaters are used in a wide range of applications")](https://blog.epectec.com/polyimide-flexible-heaters-durable-high-temperature-performance) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on December 20, 2023 at 9:09 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) A polyimide/Kapton® heater is a type of [flexible heater](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) made using a thin and lightweight polyimide film called Kapton® that was created by the DuPont company. It is a high-performance material that is resistant to high temperatures, chemicals, and radiation, making it ideal for use in heating applications where other materials would fail. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/polyimide-flexible-heaters-durable-high-temperature-performance) --- ## [IPC 6013 Specification for Flexible PCBs - Things to Know](https://blog.epectec.com/ipc-6013-specification-for-flexible-pcbs-things-to-know) [![Example of a double-sided flexible PCB](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/double-sided-flexible-pcb.jpg "Example of a double-sided flexible PCB")](https://blog.epectec.com/ipc-6013-specification-for-flexible-pcbs-things-to-know) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on December 14, 2023 at 8:21 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) IPC-6013 is one of the primary specifications used when designing and manufacturing [flex and rigid-flex printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/flex/). The standard, formally titled "Qualification and Performance Specification for Flexible/Rigid-Flexible Printed Boards," establishes requirements for the classification, performance, [plating](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-pcb-design-options-pcb-pattern-plating-vs-pad-plating), and quality acceptance criteria of flexible and rigid-flex circuits. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/ipc-6013-specification-for-flexible-pcbs-things-to-know) --- ## [Top 5 Reasons for Using Stiffeners on Flexible PCBs](https://blog.epectec.com/top-5-reasons-for-using-stiffeners-on-flexible-pcbs) [![Example of a flexible circuit board with stiffeners](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/flexible-printed-circuit-board-with-stiffeners.jpg "Example of a flexible circuit board with stiffeners")](https://blog.epectec.com/top-5-reasons-for-using-stiffeners-on-flexible-pcbs) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on December 5, 2023 at 9:12 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Stiffeners are critical mechanical features used in [flexible circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) to add rigidity to specific areas without sacrificing the overall flexibility of the design. They help meet assembly thickness requirements, support components and plated features, improve handling, and create stable, flat regions that enhance reliability. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/top-5-reasons-for-using-stiffeners-on-flexible-pcbs) --- ## [Maximum Layers of a Flexible PCB Before it is No Longer Flexible](https://blog.epectec.com/maximum-layers-of-a-flexible-pcb-before-it-is-no-longer-flexible) [![3-layer flex PCB design](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/3-layer-design.jpg "3-layer flex PCB design")](https://blog.epectec.com/maximum-layers-of-a-flexible-pcb-before-it-is-no-longer-flexible) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on November 29, 2023 at 8:41 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) At first glance, the answer to the question “How many layers can a [flexible circuit](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) have before it can no longer bend?” sounds like a simple, black-and-white answer. However, this answer proves to be more complex than expected and involves a great deal of specifications before it can be answered. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/maximum-layers-of-a-flexible-pcb-before-it-is-no-longer-flexible) --- ## [Flex and Rigid-Flex PCBs: Technical Issues In Data Sets - Q&A](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-and-rigid-flex-pc-bs-technical-issues-in-data-sets-q-and-a) [![Flex and Rigid-Flex PCBs: Technical Issues In Data Sets](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/email-images/flex-and-rigid-flex-pcbs-technical-issues-in-data-sets.jpg "Flex and Rigid-Flex PCBs: Technical Issues In Data Sets")](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-and-rigid-flex-pc-bs-technical-issues-in-data-sets-q-and-a) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on November 15, 2023 at 9:18 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) At the conclusion of our webinar, [Flex and Rigid-Flex PCBs: Technical Issues In Data Sets](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/11-09-2023/flex-and-rigid-flex-pcbs-technical-issues-in-data-sets.html), we had several questions submitted to our presenter, Zachary Walker, Product Manager of Flex and Rigid-Flex Circuits at Epec. We have compiled these questions into a readable format on our blog. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-and-rigid-flex-pc-bs-technical-issues-in-data-sets-q-and-a) --- ## [Navigating The Chinese New Year In The Manufacturing Industry](https://blog.epectec.com/navigating-the-chinese-new-year-in-the-manufacturing-industry) [![Fireworks over Hong Kong during Chinese New Year celebration](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/fireworks-over-hong-kong.jpg "Fireworks over Hong Kong during Chinese New Year celebration")](https://blog.epectec.com/navigating-the-chinese-new-year-in-the-manufacturing-industry) Written by [Kendall Paradise](https://blog.epectec.com/author/kendall-paradise) Posted on November 14, 2023 at 8:59 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) As the 2023 U.S. holiday season rolls into full gear, it’s impossible not to also think about the 2024 Chinese New Year (CNY). Maybe it’s because the U.S. holidays are busy not only at work but personally as well, for many of us, and by the time we catch our breath, the CNY is already on top of us. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/navigating-the-chinese-new-year-in-the-manufacturing-industry) --- ## [Design Principles and Best Practices for Surface Modeling](https://blog.epectec.com/design-principles-and-best-practices-for-surface-modeling) [![The part surface pre-trim](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/the-part-surface-pre-trim.jpg "The part surface pre-trim")](https://blog.epectec.com/design-principles-and-best-practices-for-surface-modeling) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on November 7, 2023 at 8:59 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The two main categories of 3D modeling can be defined as solid modeling and surface modeling. Solid modeling consists of extruding and cutting away from solid geometric volumes. This is great for subtractive and additive manufacturing methods such as milling and 3D printing. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/design-principles-and-best-practices-for-surface-modeling) --- ## [Adhesives in Flexible Circuit Boards: Types and Their Uses](https://blog.epectec.com/adhesives-in-flexible-circuit-boards-types-and-their-uses) [![Flexible circuit board with adhesive](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/flexible-circuit-board-with-adhesive.jpg "Flexible circuit board with adhesive")](https://blog.epectec.com/adhesives-in-flexible-circuit-boards-types-and-their-uses) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on November 1, 2023 at 8:33 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) One of the key components in the stack-ups for [flexible circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) is adhesives. From bonding coverlays to the surface to adhering stiffeners to rigidize the circuit to create additional use applications for the circuit, adhesives hold many possibilities and can add another dimension of complexity to flexible circuits. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/adhesives-in-flexible-circuit-boards-types-and-their-uses) --- ## [Multi-layer PCB Manufacturing: Managing Time and Cost](https://blog.epectec.com/multi-layer-pcb-manufacturing-managing-time-and-cost) [![Example of a multi-layer circuit board](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/multi-layer-circuit-board.jpg "Example of a multi-layer circuit board")](https://blog.epectec.com/multi-layer-pcb-manufacturing-managing-time-and-cost) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on October 23, 2023 at 9:13 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Multi-layer PCBs are [printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) built with three or more conductive layers, allowing greater circuit density and functionality within a smaller footprint. Their construction relies on copper-clad cores, prepreg materials, lamination, drilling, and vias to create reliable electrical interconnections between layers. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/multi-layer-pcb-manufacturing-managing-time-and-cost) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/page/16) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/page/18) --- ### Recent Posts --- ### Posts by Topic - [Printed Circuit Boards (162)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (139)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) - [Battery Packs (122)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) - [Cable Assemblies (103)](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? [![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. 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