--- title: Epec's Blog (32) description: A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (32) --- [![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 --- ## [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) --- ## [Defining a STEP Model and Its Importance](https://blog.epectec.com/defining-a-step-model-and-its-importance) [![Example of STEP AP203 and AP214 file types.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/step-file-types.jpg "Example of STEP AP203 and AP214 file types.")](https://blog.epectec.com/defining-a-step-model-and-its-importance) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on April 28, 2021 at 9:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) You may have encountered the acronym STP or STEP while learning about or working on projects that involve computer-aided design. But what exactly is it? A STEP file is a 3D-model file formatted in STEP, which stands for Standard for the Exchange of Product Data. STEP files are used to store 3D-image data in an ASCII format, following the standards defined in ISO 10303-21, introduced by the ISO committee in 1994. This specification created a file structure which could be recognized by multiple modeling programs, thus enhancing the ability for design data to be exchanged. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/defining-a-step-model-and-its-importance) --- ## [IPC Class III vs. MIL Spec for Printed Circuit Boards](https://blog.epectec.com/ipc-class-iii-vs-mil-spec-for-printed-circuit-boards) [![Printed circuit board manufactured to MIL-spec standards](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/mil-spec-printed-circuit-board%20(1).jpg "Printed circuit board manufactured to MIL-spec standards")](https://blog.epectec.com/ipc-class-iii-vs-mil-spec-for-printed-circuit-boards) Written by [Jeff Forbus](https://blog.epectec.com/author/jeff-forbus) Posted on April 20, 2021 at 9:40 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When manufacturing [printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/), the boards will be classified into specific groups based on the level of quality. Any circuit board developed for IPC Class III has met the strictest requirements levels based on tight minimum tolerances and very high precision standards for mission-critical PCBs that can be used in industries such as aerospace, military, and medical applications. Reaching these specific standards ensures that the PCB will endure a long lifecycle, can withstand harsh environments, and will perform at an exceptional level without failure. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/ipc-class-iii-vs-mil-spec-for-printed-circuit-boards) --- ## [When to Use a Floating Shield on Your Mil-Aero Cable Assembly](https://blog.epectec.com/when-to-use-a-floating-shield-on-your-mil-aero-cable-assembly) [![Example of a cable assembly with floating shield.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/floating-shield-in-a-cable-assembly%20(1).jpg "Example of a cable assembly with floating shield.")](https://blog.epectec.com/when-to-use-a-floating-shield-on-your-mil-aero-cable-assembly) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on April 13, 2021 at 10:30 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Shielded cables](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/shielded-cables.html) are ubiquitous across nearly all industries. Not to be confused with armored shielding, which is designed to physically protect a cable, shielded cables are used to safeguard against electromagnetic energy and the negative consequences from signal corruption, blown components, or even a failed qualification test. Cable designers will specify whether a shield is required and its general construction. But just adding a shield to a cable may not be enough to achieve the required performance levels that are anticipated. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/when-to-use-a-floating-shield-on-your-mil-aero-cable-assembly) --- ## [Best Practices for Ordering Your High-Tech PCBs Online](https://blog.epectec.com/best-practices-for-ordering-your-high-tech-pcbs-online) [![Ordering High Tech PCBs Online](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/ordering-high-tech-pcbs-online.jpg "Ordering High Tech PCBs Online")](https://blog.epectec.com/best-practices-for-ordering-your-high-tech-pcbs-online) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on April 6, 2021 at 9:39 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Many engineers associate [online printed circuit board](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) (PCB) ordering with simple prototype boards and low-volume production. However, Epec’s online ordering tool can also support advanced printed circuit boards, including designs with up to 16 layers, high-temperature materials, blind and buried vias, and controlled impedance requirements. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/best-practices-for-ordering-your-high-tech-pcbs-online) --- ## [What to Expect for Battery Development Timelines](https://blog.epectec.com/what-to-expect-for-battery-development-timelines) [![Our battery development timeline is a result of what is required on an average basis.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/custom-battery-pack-development-timeline%20(1).png "Our battery development timeline is a result of what is required on an average basis.")](https://blog.epectec.com/what-to-expect-for-battery-development-timelines) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on March 29, 2021 at 9:15 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Customers requiring batteries for their products or applications have become savvier when it comes to the [developmental phase of the battery packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/development-stages.html). They understand that by having researched power requirements, dimensions of the pack compartment, battery chemistries, and cabling specifications, the customer can develop more comprehensive design documents. Then, the battery pack manufacturer can use these specifications to get started on the development and tooling stage immediately. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/what-to-expect-for-battery-development-timelines) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/page/31) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/page/33) --- ### Recent Posts --- ### Posts by Topic - [Printed Circuit Boards (162)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (138)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) - [Battery Packs (122)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) - [Cable Assemblies (102)](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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