--- title: Epec's Blog (31) description: A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (31) --- [![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 --- ## [PCB Mechanical Drilling vs. Laser - Aspect Ratios and Drill Sizing](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-mechanical-drilling-vs-laser-aspect-ratios-and-drill-sizing) [![Example of mechanical drilling machines used in PCB manufacturing.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/pcb-mechanical-drilling-machines.jpg "Example of mechanical drilling machines used in PCB manufacturing.")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-mechanical-drilling-vs-laser-aspect-ratios-and-drill-sizing) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on June 29, 2021 at 9:12 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) require holes to be drilled through or partially through laminate materials. These holes are used to create continuity between the top and bottom or to a mid-layer on the PCB. The holes allow traces, pads, and copper polygons to be connected throughout the different layers of the board. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-mechanical-drilling-vs-laser-aspect-ratios-and-drill-sizing) --- ## [Prototypes to Production: Can Your Cable Assembly Supplier Keep Pace?](https://blog.epectec.com/prototypes-to-production-can-your-cable-assembly-supplier-keep-pace) [![Packaging options for high volume production runs](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/high-volume-cable-assembly-production.jpg "Packaging options for high volume production runs")](https://blog.epectec.com/prototypes-to-production-can-your-cable-assembly-supplier-keep-pace) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on June 22, 2021 at 9:10 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially challenging for many electronics manufacturers. As the world’s production flood gates opened, deliveries that were on hold for the past year are now being asked to be rushed and pulled ahead. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/prototypes-to-production-can-your-cable-assembly-supplier-keep-pace) --- ## [Common PCB Quality Issues and What to Inspect For](https://blog.epectec.com/common-pcb-quality-issues-and-what-to-inspect-for) [![PCBs with different solder mask colors](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcbs-with-different-solder-mask-colors.jpg "PCBs with different solder mask colors")](https://blog.epectec.com/common-pcb-quality-issues-and-what-to-inspect-for) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on June 14, 2021 at 10:10 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) As our world continues to evolve to an [online buying market](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/) for everything for our homes, schools, and offices, you may have noticed in some cases, the quality is not exactly what you thought you saw and bought online. We have all had that men’s XL shirt we bought for dad’s birthday arrive only to fit our 7-10-year-old, or the gift for Christmas arriving in January. Is it cost vs. quality, convenience vs. going out shopping, or is it the ongoing COVID-19 situation? [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/common-pcb-quality-issues-and-what-to-inspect-for) --- ## [Why DOT/UN 38.3 is Required for Lithium Batteries](https://blog.epectec.com/why-dot-un-38.3-is-required-for-lithium-batteries) [![Lithium battery shipping requirements](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/lithium-battery-shipping-requirements.jpg "Lithium battery shipping requirements")](https://blog.epectec.com/why-dot-un-38.3-is-required-for-lithium-batteries) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on June 8, 2021 at 9:33 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Applications with high-power needs and complex systems may use lithium batteries to operate. Lithium batteries can pack a high-energy density into smaller pack sizes, making them lightweight and small enough to be used in common everyday products such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, and hoverboards. However, the battery's chemistry can create safety hazards when not being constantly monitored. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/why-dot-un-38.3-is-required-for-lithium-batteries) --- ## [Circuit Board Material Tolerances that Affect Manufacturing](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-material-tolerances-that-affect-manufacturing) [![PCB inspected for finished drill hole sizes](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcb-inspected-for-finished-drill-hole-sizes.jpg "PCB inspected for finished drill hole sizes")](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-material-tolerances-that-affect-manufacturing) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on June 2, 2021 at 9:57 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Within the first few pages of IPC standard for [printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/), there is a reference table 1-2 that is called “Default Requirements.” When reading the standard looking for some guidance, one may question “default” as part of a requirement. Often, when we receive circuit board production files there is not enough information from a manufacturing standpoint but certainly enough to quote. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-material-tolerances-that-affect-manufacturing) --- ## [Best Mechanisms to Control Flexible Heater Temperatures](https://blog.epectec.com/best-mechanisms-to-control-flexible-heater-temperatures) [![Silicone flexible heater with embedded thermostat](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/silicone-flexible-heater-with-embedded-thermostat.jpg "Silicone flexible heater with embedded thermostat")](https://blog.epectec.com/best-mechanisms-to-control-flexible-heater-temperatures) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on May 27, 2021 at 10:11 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Flexible heaters made from [silicon](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/silicone-rubber-heaters.html) and [polyimide](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/polyimide-kapton-heaters.html) materials are designed to provide heating features to a wide range of applications. Their flexibility allows the heaters to wrap around odd-shaped surfaces when used inside or outside products. The flexibility of the heater is to provide enough heat for the intended application at the specific area without interfering with its functions. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/best-mechanisms-to-control-flexible-heater-temperatures) --- ## [PCB Design & Layout: Checklist of What You Need Before You Start - Q&A](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-and-layout-checklist-of-what-you-need-before-you-start-q-and-a) [![PCB Design & Layout - Checklist of What You Need Before You Start](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/email-images/pcb-design-and-layout-checklist.jpg "PCB Design & Layout - Checklist of What You Need Before You Start")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-and-layout-checklist-of-what-you-need-before-you-start-q-and-a) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on May 25, 2021 at 8:49 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) At the conclusion of our webinar, [PCB Design & Layout - Checklist of What You Need Before You Start](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/05-14-2021/pcb-design-and-layout-checklist-of-what-you-need-before-you-start.html), we had several questions submitted to our presenter, Angie Brown, PCB Product Manager at Epec. We have compiled these questions into a readable format on our blog. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-and-layout-checklist-of-what-you-need-before-you-start-q-and-a) --- ## [Understanding How Solder and Coatings Impact PCB Shelf Life](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-how-solder-and-coatings-impact-pcb-shelf-life) [![Various printed circuit boards packaged in bubble wrap.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcbs-packaged-in-bubble-wrap.jpg "Various printed circuit boards packaged in bubble wrap.")](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-how-solder-and-coatings-impact-pcb-shelf-life) Written by [Sherry Clowers](https://blog.epectec.com/author/sherry-clowers) Posted on May 18, 2021 at 10:13 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) may go through extreme wear-and-tear based on environmental factors. They may be placed in applications where there will be fluctuating temperatures, extreme heat, extreme cold, high humidity, salt water, and excessive moisture. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-how-solder-and-coatings-impact-pcb-shelf-life) --- ## [Flexible PCB Line and Space Limitations to Be Aware Of](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-pcb-line-and-space-limitations-to-be-aware-of) [![Example of trace to adjacent pad spacing.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/trace-spacing-to-pads.jpg "Example of trace to adjacent pad spacing.")](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-pcb-line-and-space-limitations-to-be-aware-of) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on May 12, 2021 at 9:30 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Many trace width, spacing, and via design rules used in [rigid PCB designs](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) also apply to [flexible circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/). However, flexible materials, coverlay construction, and flex-specific manufacturing processes introduce additional constraints that designers must account for during layout. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-pcb-line-and-space-limitations-to-be-aware-of) --- ## [Circuit Board Solder Mask - What to Use and What Not to Use](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-solder-mask-what-to-use-and-what-not-to-use) [![Example of printed circuit boards with various solder mask colors.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/circuit-board-with-various-solder-mask-colors.jpg "Example of printed circuit boards with various solder mask colors.")](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-solder-mask-what-to-use-and-what-not-to-use) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on May 4, 2021 at 10:12 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Remembering back to grammar school and the standard 8-box of Crayola crayons and when they expanded to 16 or 32 colors, never mind 64. If you managed to get this box with the sharpener, you had it made. I love color; the more the better. [Read More  ](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-solder-mask-what-to-use-and-what-not-to-use) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/page/30) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/page/32) --- ### 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)