--- title: Epec's Blog (52) description: A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (52) --- [![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 --- ## [Microwave Filter Design For High-Reliability Applications](https://blog.epectec.com/microwave-filter-design-for-high-reliability-applications) [![RF Filter Depicting Lumped Element Components](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/rf-filter-depicting-lumped-element-components.jpg "RF Filter Depicting Lumped Element Components")](https://blog.epectec.com/microwave-filter-design-for-high-reliability-applications) Written by [Mark Stanley](https://blog.epectec.com/author/mark-stanley) Posted on September 19, 2017 at 11:06 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When designing and manufacturing passive [broadband high frequency](https://blog.epectec.com/achieve-very-broad-bandwidth-with-high-pass-low-pass-series-elements) cascaded LC filters (inductor and capacitor), a lot of undesirable component interactions can occur if not properly managed. The goal is to minimize the difference between an RF microwave filter design constructed with ideal components and one using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom manufactured components. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/microwave-filter-design-for-high-reliability-applications) --- ## [PCB Design Considerations for Tight Spacing](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-considerations-for-tight-spacing) [![Teardrop Smallest Via](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/teardrop-smallest-via.jpg "Teardrop Smallest Via")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-considerations-for-tight-spacing) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on September 14, 2017 at 10:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Printed circuit boards (PCBs) continue to shrink. As each generation of miniaturized components comes along, board designers find themselves able to work within ever-smaller PCB footprint sizes. While this is great news for consumers (compare the size of a 1994 portable phone to one of today’s models) it presents difficulties for fabricators. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-considerations-for-tight-spacing) --- ## [Innovative HMI Technology and Design Advancements](https://blog.epectec.com/innovative-hmi-technology-and-design-advancements) [![Example of an HMI Backlighting Using Light Guide Film Technology](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/hmi-using-light-guide-film-technology.gif "Example of an HMI Backlighting Using Light Guide Film Technology")](https://blog.epectec.com/innovative-hmi-technology-and-design-advancements) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on September 12, 2017 at 1:23 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Over the last 25 years, the evolution of touch screen technologies has brought sweeping changes to how society uses [human-machine interface (HMI) products](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/). Originally touch screens were small, monochrome, and required a stylus and single touchpoint to operate. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/innovative-hmi-technology-and-design-advancements) --- ## [Outsourcing PCB Layout and Design to Reduce Costs and Time to Market](https://blog.epectec.com/outsourcing-pcb-layout-and-design-to-reduce-costs-and-time-to-market) [![Circuit Board Layout Designed With Tight Spacing](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/circuit-board-layout-designed-with-tight-spacing.jpg "Circuit Board Layout Designed With Tight Spacing")](https://blog.epectec.com/outsourcing-pcb-layout-and-design-to-reduce-costs-and-time-to-market) Written by [Ed McMahon](https://blog.epectec.com/author/ed-mcmahon) Posted on September 6, 2017 at 9:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Many OEM engineering teams continue to face the same challenge: aggressive development schedules combined with limited engineering resources. As organizations ask engineers to handle a wider range of responsibilities, [printed circuit board](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) (PCB) layout projects can become a bottleneck that delays product development and product launch schedules. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/outsourcing-pcb-layout-and-design-to-reduce-costs-and-time-to-market) --- ## [Developing Your Manufacturing Talent](https://blog.epectec.com/developing-your-manufacturing-talent) [![Employee Assembling EC Motor with Fan Ring and Blade](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/employee-assembling-fans.png "Employee Assembling EC Motor with Fan Ring and Blade")](https://blog.epectec.com/developing-your-manufacturing-talent) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on September 1, 2017 at 3:26 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) How do you ensure that your manufacturing talent is an asset to your business? Consider a typical manufacturing organization. Qualifications for many entry–level shop floor positions are modest. New hires range from novices all the way to seasoned manufacturing professionals with specialized skills. Sometimes it is an employer’s market and at other times, there is a scarcity of suitable job talent. In this ever-changing environment, how do we keep the most ambitious, hardworking, and engaged workers? [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/developing-your-manufacturing-talent) --- ## [7 Advantages of Using a Full Service HMI Supplier](https://blog.epectec.com/7-advantages-of-a-using-full-service-hmi-supplier) [![Various Components of a User Interfaces Assembly](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/user-interface-assembly-components.jpg "Various Components of a User Interfaces Assembly")](https://blog.epectec.com/7-advantages-of-a-using-full-service-hmi-supplier) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on August 25, 2017 at 3:39 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Manufacturing complete human-machine interface (HMI) assemblies can be a complex and difficult journey, which is especially true if it involves more than one supplier. This blog post mentions a few of the great advantages of being able to work with a single [full service HMI supplier](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/manufacturing-capabilities.html). [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/7-advantages-of-a-using-full-service-hmi-supplier) --- ## [Stop Sending Supplier Surveys](https://blog.epectec.com/stop-sending-supplier-surveys) [![sending supplier surveys](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/sending-supplier-surveys.jpg "sending supplier surveys")](https://blog.epectec.com/stop-sending-supplier-surveys) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on August 16, 2017 at 3:50 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Within industries like electronics manufacturing, suppler self-surveys are very popular. At any given moment here at Epec, we are processing five or so supplier surveys. We send them out ourselves. I have dealt with supplier surveys, one way or another, for the last twenty something years. But, what purpose do they serve, and more importantly, what value do they provide to your organization? [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/stop-sending-supplier-surveys) --- ## [PCB Layout Manufacturing Best Practices](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-layout-manufacturing-best-practices) [![PCB Minimum Spacing Copper to Copper](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/pcb-minimum-spacing-copper-to-copper.jpg "PCB Minimum Spacing Copper to Copper")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-layout-manufacturing-best-practices) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on August 10, 2017 at 2:12 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) As [printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) continue to become smaller and more densely populated, design decisions made during PCB layout have a direct impact on fabrication, assembly, and overall manufacturability. Careful planning of via treatment, trace widths, spacing, and solder mask requirements can help reduce manufacturing issues, improve process margins, and support successful production. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-layout-manufacturing-best-practices) --- ## [Using SMART Human-Machine Interfaces to Improve User Experience](https://blog.epectec.com/using-smart-human-machine-interfaces-to-improve-user-experience) [![SMART Human-Machine Interface Display](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/smart-human-machine-interface.jpg "SMART Human-Machine Interface Display")](https://blog.epectec.com/using-smart-human-machine-interfaces-to-improve-user-experience) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on August 7, 2017 at 3:23 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In all likelihood right now as you read this post, there is a smartphone somewhere on your person, on your desk, or otherwise within reach. These products have become much more than just a means of communicating with others. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/using-smart-human-machine-interfaces-to-improve-user-experience) --- ## [Why Pantone Colors Are Important for User Interface Assemblies](https://blog.epectec.com/why-pantone-colors-are-important-for-user-interface-assemblies) [![Example of Pantone Color Book](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/Pantone%20Colors.jpg "Example of Pantone Color Book")](https://blog.epectec.com/why-pantone-colors-are-important-for-user-interface-assemblies) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on August 3, 2017 at 8:45 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Stop and think of the role colors play in our daily lives for a moment. Colors can influence everything from what you wear to the car you buy. Colors can trigger emotions, memories, even hunger. Certainly, colors and patterns matter to companies advertising and selling products. Communicating with customers in the manufacturing world about selecting an exact color, however, has proven challenging enough as to require a particular system, known as the Pantone Matching System. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/why-pantone-colors-are-important-for-user-interface-assemblies) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/page/51) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/page/53) --- ### Recent Posts --- ### Posts by Topic - [Printed Circuit Boards (162)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (139)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) - [Battery Packs (122)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) - [Cable Assemblies (103)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cable-assemblies) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCB's (97)](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? 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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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