--- 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 --- ## [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 J 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) --- ## [Understanding Revision Control in Product Development](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-revision-control-in-product-development) [![Example of revision table in an engineering drawing.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/title-block.jpg "Example of revision table in an engineering drawing.")](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-revision-control-in-product-development) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on March 25, 2021 at 9:45 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Revision control is the method by which manufacturers and engineers keep individual parts or assemblies documented and tracked. A more simplified definition could be that revision control is a part’s road map. In the world of [manufacturing electronics](https://www.epectec.com/products/), it is critical that revisions of any product are properly maintained and controlled. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-revision-control-in-product-development) --- ## [Designing Accurate Fuel Gauges for Custom Battery Packs](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-accurate-fuel-gauges-for-custom-battery-packs) [![Correctly monitoring the battery can allow a customer to determine when the battery pack will need to be replaced.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/fuel-gauges-for-battery-packs%20(1).jpg "Correctly monitoring the battery can allow a customer to determine when the battery pack will need to be replaced.")](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-accurate-fuel-gauges-for-custom-battery-packs) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on March 16, 2021 at 9:45 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When designing a [custom battery pack](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/), a topic that will come up between the manufacturer and the customer deals with the fuel gauge. The battery fuel gauge can be found in a range of everyday devices that we use, such as cell phones and computers. The function of the fuel gauge is to inform the customer on how much state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) is left in the battery. The fuel gauge can predict the remaining capacity by measuring the voltage, battery temperature, and current. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-accurate-fuel-gauges-for-custom-battery-packs) --- ## [Rigid-Flex PCB Stack-ups for Impedance Controlled Designs](https://blog.epectec.com/rigid-flex-pcb-stack-ups-for-impedance-controlled-designs) [![Rigid-Flex PCB Stack-ups for Impedance Controlled Designs](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/rigid-flex-pcb-with-controlled-impedance.jpg "Rigid-Flex PCB Stack-ups for Impedance Controlled Designs")](https://blog.epectec.com/rigid-flex-pcb-stack-ups-for-impedance-controlled-designs) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on March 10, 2021 at 10:15 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Impedance controlled circuits in a [rigid-flex PCB design](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) is a common requirement throughout the industry in a wide range of applications. Having Impedance control, however, does create an additional challenge for designs that have very demanding minimum bend requirements. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/rigid-flex-pcb-stack-ups-for-impedance-controlled-designs) --- ## [Battery Packs for Medical Devices Requirements and Certification - Q&A](https://blog.epectec.com/battery-packs-for-medical-devices-requirements-and-certification-q-and-a) [![Battery Packs for Medical Devices: Requirements and Certification - Q&A](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/webinars/battery-packs-for-medical-devices-requirements-and-certification.jpg "Battery Packs for Medical Devices: Requirements and Certification - Q&A")](https://blog.epectec.com/battery-packs-for-medical-devices-requirements-and-certification-q-and-a) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on March 9, 2021 at 10:23 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) At the conclusion of our webinar, [Battery Packs for Medical Devices: Requirements and Certification](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/02-24-2021/battery-packs-for-medical-devices-requirements-and-certification.html) - we had several questions submitted to our presenter, Battery Development Consultant Randy Ibrahim. We compiled these into a readable format on our blog. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/battery-packs-for-medical-devices-requirements-and-certification-q-and-a) [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 (161)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (138)](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? [![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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