--- title: Epec's Blog (23) description: A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (23) --- [![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/) 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 --- ## [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 Make Batteries Charge Faster While Considering Safety](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-make-batteries-charge-faster-while-considering-safety) [![lithium battery packs charging at charging station](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/lithium-battery-packs-charging-at-charging-station.jpg "lithium battery packs charging at charging station")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-make-batteries-charge-faster-while-considering-safety) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on October 12, 2022 at 8:40 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Charging batteries](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/charging/), whether they are small batteries in laptops to large ones in electric vehicles, requires the right rate of charge based on the battery chemistry. While technology has provided more ways for people to charge their electronics, especially [portable devices](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/custom-battery-packs-for-portable-electronic-devices.html), customers are looking at ways to speed up the process so they can use their items faster. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-make-batteries-charge-faster-while-considering-safety) --- ## [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) --- ## [Design Options for Low-Cost UL Approved Cable Assemblies - Q&A](https://blog.epectec.com/design-options-for-low-cost-ul-approved-cable-assemblies-q-and-a) [![Design Options for Low-Cost UL Approved Cable Assemblies](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/design-options-for-low-cost-ul-approved-wire-harnesses-q-and-a.jpg "Design Options for Low-Cost UL Approved Cable Assemblies")](https://blog.epectec.com/design-options-for-low-cost-ul-approved-cable-assemblies-q-and-a) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on September 28, 2022 at 8:48 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) At the conclusion of our webinar, [Design Options for Low-Cost UL Approved Cable Assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/09-23-2022/design-options-for-low-cost-ul-approved-cable-assemblies.html), we had several questions submitted to our presenter, Steven J. Goodman, User Interface & Cable Assembly Product Manager at Epec. We have compiled these questions into a readable format on our blog. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/design-options-for-low-cost-ul-approved-cable-assemblies-q-and-a) --- ## [COTS Enclosures and Reducing Costs in Custom Box Build Designs](https://blog.epectec.com/cots-enclosures-and-reducing-costs-in-custom-box-build-designs) [![Custom enclosure designed using 3D modeling software](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/custom-enclosure-designed-using-3d-modeling-software.jpg "Custom enclosure designed using 3D modeling software")](https://blog.epectec.com/cots-enclosures-and-reducing-costs-in-custom-box-build-designs) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on September 27, 2022 at 8:37 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When bringing a new project to market that involves [an injection molded enclosure](https://www.epectec.com/injection-molded-plastics), there will be critical design and sourcing decisions that can have a tremendous impact on the overall project. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/cots-enclosures-and-reducing-costs-in-custom-box-build-designs) --- ## [High-Speed PCB Design Considerations for Fabrication](https://blog.epectec.com/high-speed-pcb-design-considerations-for-fabrication) [![Example of a high-speed PCB design](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/high-speed-pcb-design.jpg "Example of a high-speed PCB design")](https://blog.epectec.com/high-speed-pcb-design-considerations-for-fabrication) Written by [Ed McMahon](https://blog.epectec.com/author/ed-mcmahon) Posted on September 21, 2022 at 8:37 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) While PCB layout typically has played the leading role in high-speed [printed circuit board (PCB)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) applications, the role of the PCB fabricator becomes more and more important as the trend to faster, higher integrated, smaller form factors, and lower power electronic circuits become more prevalent. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/high-speed-pcb-design-considerations-for-fabrication) --- ## [Overmolded Cables Using Pins, Receptacles, and Spring-Loaded Contacts](https://blog.epectec.com/overmolded-cables-using-pins-receptacles-and-spring-loaded-contacts) [![Power Cable with Overmolded Connectors](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/power-cable-with-overmolded-connectors.jpg "Power Cable with Overmolded Connectors")](https://blog.epectec.com/overmolded-cables-using-pins-receptacles-and-spring-loaded-contacts) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on September 15, 2022 at 8:26 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Overmolded cable assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/over-molded-cables.html) are extremely common and used for several reasons throughout the electronics industry. The process of overmolding is inexpensive, completely customizable, and, most importantly, produces a rugged and robust part. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/overmolded-cables-using-pins-receptacles-and-spring-loaded-contacts) --- ## [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) --- ## [Medical Device Designs: Components, Elements, and Design Priorities](https://blog.epectec.com/medical-device-designs-components-elements-and-design-priorities) [![Patient in medical room setting](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/patient-in-medical-room-setting.jpg "Patient in medical room setting")](https://blog.epectec.com/medical-device-designs-components-elements-and-design-priorities) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on September 1, 2022 at 9:22 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Designing medical devices is no simple task. The stakes are higher for these devices compared to most other industries. Because of that, medical device engineers need to think carefully about which design elements should be prioritized. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/medical-device-designs-components-elements-and-design-priorities) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/page/22) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/page/24) --- ### 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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