--- title: Epec's Blog (24) description: A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (24) --- [![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 --- ## [Choosing The Right PCB Laminate Material For Your Circuit Board](https://blog.epectec.com/choosing-the-right-pcb-laminate-material-for-your-circuit-board) [![Printed Circuit Board Manufactured with FR4 Laminate Material](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/circuit-board-manufactured-with-fr4-laminate-material.jpg "Printed Circuit Board Manufactured with FR4 Laminate Material")](https://blog.epectec.com/choosing-the-right-pcb-laminate-material-for-your-circuit-board) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on August 23, 2022 at 8:54 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) For all [printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/), the main component is the base laminate material. Choosing what you need or want to use is not as simple as it sounds. There are many options out there and many flavors that can be used but how do you know what to pick and how do you note it as my item of choice on the fabrication package? [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/choosing-the-right-pcb-laminate-material-for-your-circuit-board) --- ## [Membrane Switch Circuit Design Best Practices](https://blog.epectec.com/membrane-switch-circuit-design-best-practices) [![Membrane switch circuit layer with ZIF connector](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/membrane-switch-circuit-layer-with-zif-connector.jpg "Membrane switch circuit layer with ZIF connector")](https://blog.epectec.com/membrane-switch-circuit-design-best-practices) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on August 15, 2022 at 8:22 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) A [membrane switch](https://www.epectec.com/membranes/) is a particular type of custom switch assembly built to either open or close an electrical circuit's conducting path. Each layer in the assembly serves its own unique purpose. Custom features can easily be added with the design considerations. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/membrane-switch-circuit-design-best-practices) --- ## [Fast and Inexpensive Custom USB Cable Assemblies](https://blog.epectec.com/fast-and-inexpensive-custom-usb-cable-assemblies) [![Most Common USB Cable Connectors](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/most-common-USB-cable-connectors.jpg "Most Common USB Cable Connectors")](https://blog.epectec.com/fast-and-inexpensive-custom-usb-cable-assemblies) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on August 10, 2022 at 8:18 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Short for "Universal Serial Bus," a USB cable is one that has become a nearly ubiquitous part of our lives, even if some people don't necessarily realize it. Technologically speaking, it involves an industry standard that created precise specifications for not only how these types of cables can be manufactured, but how they can connect one device to another, how power and data can be transmitted, and more. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/fast-and-inexpensive-custom-usb-cable-assemblies) --- ## [Flexible Wire Jackets and Overmold Options for Custom Cable Assemblies](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-wire-jackets-and-overmold-options-for-custom-cable-assemblies) [![Cable Assembly with Tight Minimum Bend Radius](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/tight-minimum-bend-radius.jpg "Cable Assembly with Tight Minimum Bend Radius")](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-wire-jackets-and-overmold-options-for-custom-cable-assemblies) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on August 2, 2022 at 9:14 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In the world of [custom cable assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/), flexible wire and overmold solutions are used in a wide range of different contexts. Not only are they commonly employed in association with various types of industrial equipment, but they also play an important role in fields like automation, robotics, and even the automotive industry. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-wire-jackets-and-overmold-options-for-custom-cable-assemblies) --- ## [How CAD Helps Design Engineers Make Layout Decisions](https://blog.epectec.com/how-cad-helps-design-engineers-make-layout-decisions) [![Manually Generated CAD Drawing](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/manually-generated-cad-drawing.jpg "Manually Generated CAD Drawing")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-cad-helps-design-engineers-make-layout-decisions) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on July 27, 2022 at 8:42 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems and software began replacing drawing boards during the 1980s. Today, there’s hardly an engineer anywhere who uses pencil and paper to produce engineering drawings. Everyone uses CAD, for the simple reason that it offers many advantages. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/how-cad-helps-design-engineers-make-layout-decisions) --- ## [Low-Cost Automotive Wiring Solutions Using SXL, GXL, and TXL Wire](https://blog.epectec.com/low-cost-automotive-wiring-solutions-using-sxl-gxl-and-txl-wire) [![Custom Overmolded Cable With GXL Wire](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/custom-overmolded-cable-with-gxl-wire.jpg "Custom Overmolded Cable With GXL Wire")](https://blog.epectec.com/low-cost-automotive-wiring-solutions-using-sxl-gxl-and-txl-wire) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on July 19, 2022 at 8:41 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) With thousands of wire types, cross-sections, and material combinations, there is no shortage of options available to engineers when selecting low-voltage cables for automotive applications. Kicking off any new design project will require a careful review of the program requirements, timeline restrictions, and budget constraints. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/low-cost-automotive-wiring-solutions-using-sxl-gxl-and-txl-wire) --- ## [Battery Storage Tips: Battery Chemistries and the Storage Requirements](https://blog.epectec.com/battery-storage-tips-battery-chemistries-and-the-storage-requirements) [![Custom Battery Packs Stored In Climate Control Environment](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/custom-battery-packs-stored-in-climate-control-environment.jpg "Custom Battery Packs Stored In Climate Control Environment")](https://blog.epectec.com/battery-storage-tips-battery-chemistries-and-the-storage-requirements) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on July 14, 2022 at 9:12 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Battery power constantly runs applications on a daily basis to perform a wide variety of functions. Yet, there will be certain instances where [battery packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) will be stored for short-term and long-term periods. This situation may occur due to infrequent use of the equipment or when storing extra battery packs. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/battery-storage-tips-battery-chemistries-and-the-storage-requirements) --- ## [SAE J1772: The Standard Connector for EV to Battery Charging Stations](https://blog.epectec.com/sae-j1772-the-standard-connector-for-ev-to-battery-charging-stations) [![Charging Port On Electric Vehicle](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/charging-port-on-electirc-vehicle.jpg "Charging Port On Electric Vehicle")](https://blog.epectec.com/sae-j1772-the-standard-connector-for-ev-to-battery-charging-stations) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on July 6, 2022 at 8:57 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) More people are taking into consideration the types of vehicles they use for work, school, and to get around town. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a trend for both individuals as well as commercial operations. Aside from the tax benefits and reduced need for fossil fuels, [battery technologies](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) have matured enabling the EVs of today to offer comparable performance to the traditional internal combustion engine. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/sae-j1772-the-standard-connector-for-ev-to-battery-charging-stations) --- ## [How To Prevent Plating Voids And Solder Voids During PCB Manufacturing](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-prevent-plating-voids-and-solder-voids-during-pcb-manufacturing) [![PCB Copper Plated Void](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcb-copper-plated-void.jpg "PCB Copper Plated Void")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-prevent-plating-voids-and-solder-voids-during-pcb-manufacturing) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on June 28, 2022 at 8:53 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) During the manufacturing of [printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/), a lot of attention is focused on how tools and processes are handled to avoid many common quality issues such as brittle joints, cold joints, and voids. Voids consist of an empty space somewhere along the PCB where not enough of a certain material was added. If the voiding issue is not addressed, then the entire PCB may need to be scrapped. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-prevent-plating-voids-and-solder-voids-during-pcb-manufacturing) --- ## [Effective Ways To Reduce Your CNC Machining Costs - Q&A](https://blog.epectec.com/effective-ways-to-reduce-your-cnc-machining-costs-q-and-a) [![Effective Ways To Reduce Your CNC Machining Costs ](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/social-posts/effective-ways-to-reduce-your-cnc-machining-costs.jpg "Effective Ways To Reduce Your CNC Machining Costs ")](https://blog.epectec.com/effective-ways-to-reduce-your-cnc-machining-costs-q-and-a) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on June 27, 2022 at 9:23 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) At the conclusion of our webinar, [Effective Ways To Reduce Your CNC Machining Costs](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/06-23-2022/effective-ways-to-reduce-your-cnc-machining-costs.html), we had several questions submitted to our presenter, Mark Stanley, General Manager at [Metal Craft Machining](https://www.metalcraftmachining.com/), Epec’s sister company. We have compiled these questions into a readable format on our blog. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/effective-ways-to-reduce-your-cnc-machining-costs-q-and-a) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/page/23) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/page/25) --- ### 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)