--- title: Epec's Blog (43) description: A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (43) --- [![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) - 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[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 --- ## [Flexible Heater Elements: Differences and Advantages](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-heater-elements-differences-and-advantages) [![Wire wound element flexible heater](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/wire-wound-element-flexible-heater.jpg "Wire wound element flexible heater")](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-heater-elements-differences-and-advantages) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on May 8, 2019 at 9:56 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Manufacturers requiring localized heating for their applications turn to the advantages of [flexible heaters](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) that are mounted to components and equipment. These heaters can provide low level or high-level heat at varying temperatures to offer the appropriate thermal transfer based on the applications. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-heater-elements-differences-and-advantages) --- ## [Flexible Heater Types: Which to Use for Your Application?](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-heater-types-which-to-use-for-your-application) [![polyimide flexible heaters](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/polyimide-flexible-heaters.jpg "polyimide flexible heaters")](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-heater-types-which-to-use-for-your-application) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on May 2, 2019 at 10:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Whether used in the [aerospace industry](https://blog.epectec.com/the-influence-of-flexible-heaters-on-the-aerospace-industry) to de-ice equipment, or the food industry to bring ingredients up to a suitable temperature, [flexible heaters](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) provide the right amount of generated heat based on the application. These types of heaters can be attached to smooth, bulky and curved equipment in different sizes and functions. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-heater-types-which-to-use-for-your-application) --- ## [Various Stiffener Materials for Flexible Circuit Boards](https://blog.epectec.com/various-stiffener-materials-for-flexible-circuit-boards) [![Flexible PCBs with various types of stiffeners](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/flexible-pcbs-with-various-stiffeners.jpg "Flexible PCBs with various types of stiffeners")](https://blog.epectec.com/various-stiffener-materials-for-flexible-circuit-boards) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on April 23, 2019 at 12:42 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Flexible circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) are necessary in numerous applications where a design requires the circuit to be bent within the electrical equipment or electronic device. However, it is not desired to have the flexible circuit board bend adjacent to connectors, mounted components, solder joints, and hole patterns. In these instances, a stiffener needs to be designed in to add rigidity and stability so that the flex circuit performs reliably. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/various-stiffener-materials-for-flexible-circuit-boards) --- ## [Flexible Circuit Board Material Selection](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-circuit-board-material-selection) [![Example of an adhesive based flex core.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/adhesive-based-flex-pcb-core-material.jpg "Example of an adhesive based flex core.")](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-circuit-board-material-selection) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on April 15, 2019 at 9:54 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Selecting the optimum flex circuit board material is a key element to the success of a flexible circuit design. A wide variety of [materials and configurations are available](https://www.epectec.com/articles/rigid-flex-pcb-material-and-construction.html) to address the needs of today’s design applications. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-circuit-board-material-selection) --- ## [Root Cause Analysis Through the Five Why Method - Part 1](https://blog.epectec.com/root-cause-analysis-through-the-five-why-method-part-1) [![finding-the-root-cause-of-a-problem](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/finding-the-root-cause-of-a-problem.jpg "finding-the-root-cause-of-a-problem")](https://blog.epectec.com/root-cause-analysis-through-the-five-why-method-part-1) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on April 10, 2019 at 10:42 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In my last blog post, [Five Why Root Cause Analysis Starts with a Good Problem Statement](https://blog.epectec.com/5-why-root-cause-analysis-starts-with-a-problem-statement), I recommended that problem-solving teams develop well-crafted problem statements. This blog post will discuss the best practices for the five why method of root cause analysis. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/root-cause-analysis-through-the-five-why-method-part-1) --- ## [Design Comparison: Flex Circuit with Stiffeners vs. Rigid-Flex PCB](https://blog.epectec.com/design-comparison-flex-circuit-with-stiffeners-vs-rigid-flex-pcb) [![Flexible circuit board designed with stiffeners](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/flexible-circuit-board-designed-with-stiffeners.jpg "Flexible circuit board designed with stiffeners")](https://blog.epectec.com/design-comparison-flex-circuit-with-stiffeners-vs-rigid-flex-pcb) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on April 2, 2019 at 10:49 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When developing a [flex PCB based design](https://www.epectec.com/flex/design/), one of the most common early decisions is whether a flex circuit with stiffener(s) will meet the design requirements or if a rigid-flex construction is necessary or more effective. While there is some overlap between the two methodologies, there are significant capability, performance, and cost differences that require review to ensure a successful design. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/design-comparison-flex-circuit-with-stiffeners-vs-rigid-flex-pcb) --- ## [Integrating Flex with Rigid PCB to Improve Design](https://blog.epectec.com/integrating-flex-with-rigid-pcb-to-improve-design) [![Rigid-Flex PCB with no Points of Interconnect](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/rigid-flex-pcb-with-no-points-of-interconnect.jpg "Rigid-Flex PCB with no Points of Interconnect")](https://blog.epectec.com/integrating-flex-with-rigid-pcb-to-improve-design) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on March 27, 2019 at 9:49 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Integrating flex circuits with rigid PCBs in a [rigid-flex configuration](https://www.epectec.com/articles/how-rigid-flex-pcb-design-configurations-are-advancing.html) helps address common design challenges by combining the mechanical advantages of flex circuitry with the functionality of rigid circuit board sections. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/integrating-flex-with-rigid-pcb-to-improve-design) --- ## [Understanding the Actuation Force of Your Keypad](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-the-actuation-force-of-your-keypad) [![Membrane Sswitch Before Fixed to Panel](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/membrane-switch-before-fixed-to-panel.jpg "Membrane Sswitch Before Fixed to Panel")](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-the-actuation-force-of-your-keypad) Written by [Steven J Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on March 19, 2019 at 12:03 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Keypads that utilize dome switches, silicone elastomer keys, or tactile switches rely on actuation force as a critical feature to define how much load is required to close the normally open switch. In this context, force is a vector acting normally to the keypad surface and is usually defined in grams (g) or pound force (lbf). [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-the-actuation-force-of-your-keypad) --- ## [How to Specify Stiffener Requirements in Flex PCB Design Drawings](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-specify-stiffener-requirements-in-flex-pcb-design-drawings) [![Flex Circuit with Connector Area Support Stiffeners](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/flex-circuit-with-connector-area-support-stiffener.jpg "Flex Circuit with Connector Area Support Stiffeners")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-specify-stiffener-requirements-in-flex-pcb-design-drawings) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on March 14, 2019 at 1:39 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Stiffeners](https://www.epectec.com/flex/flex-circuit-stiffeners.html) are a critical element in [flex circuit design](https://www.epectec.com/flex/design/) and directly influence the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of the finished product. Properly specified stiffeners provide support for component and connector areas, help meet ZIF connector requirements, address mechanical bend constraints, and can assist with heat dissipation. Complete and accurate documentation is essential to ensure the finished flex circuit meets design requirements. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-specify-stiffener-requirements-in-flex-pcb-design-drawings) --- ## [Differences of Via in Pad Technology in Flex Circuits vs Rigid PCBs](https://blog.epectec.com/differences-of-via-in-pad-technology-in-flex-circuits-vs-rigid-pcbs) [![Complex Rigid-Flex Circuit Board](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/complex-rigid-flex-circuit-board.jpg "Complex Rigid-Flex Circuit Board")](https://blog.epectec.com/differences-of-via-in-pad-technology-in-flex-circuits-vs-rigid-pcbs) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on March 5, 2019 at 10:52 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Many of today’s [rigid-flex circuit designs](https://www.epectec.com/flex/design/) utilize the same high-density components found in rigid PCB designs. This requires the use of [blind and or buried vias](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-vias-everything-you-need-to-know) to allow the signal lines to be routed out from within the high-density components or the high-density areas of the design. The most common component that we see driving this today is the 0.4mm pitch BGA package. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/differences-of-via-in-pad-technology-in-flex-circuits-vs-rigid-pcbs) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/page/42) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/page/44) --- ### 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? 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