--- 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 --- ## [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) --- ## [Poor PCB Silkscreen Legibility Issues](https://blog.epectec.com/poor-pcb-silkscreen-legibility-issue) [![Received PCB Silkscreen Data](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/example-of-received-pcb-silkscreen-data.jpg "Received PCB Silkscreen Data")](https://blog.epectec.com/poor-pcb-silkscreen-legibility-issue) Written by [Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Posted on July 27, 2017 at 9:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Among the multiple layers of [a printed circuit board (PCB)](http://www.epectec.com/pcb/) lies the PCB silkscreen layer. The placement of the silkscreen markings, whether on the top or bottom layer, in conjunction with the features of the other layers, could affect the final legibility of the printed circuit board markings. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/poor-pcb-silkscreen-legibility-issue) --- ## [Making Your SMART User Interface Design Weatherproof](https://blog.epectec.com/making-your-smart-user-interface-design-weatherproof) [![Rubber Keypad for Marine Application](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/rubber-keypad-for-marine-application.jpg "Rubber Keypad for Marine Application")](https://blog.epectec.com/making-your-smart-user-interface-design-weatherproof) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on July 25, 2017 at 2:46 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When creating your SMART user interface design, the [operating environment](https://blog.epectec.com/improving-membrane-switch-design-for-harsh-environments) should be taken into careful consideration. Environmental contaminants, moisture, temperature extremes, UV radiation, and overall wear and tear from use in outdoor environments are factors that should be considered before determining material and component selection for your [SMART user interface](http://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/smart-human-machine-interfaces.html). [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/making-your-smart-user-interface-design-weatherproof) --- ## [How Supplier Logistics Affect Your Products](https://blog.epectec.com/how-supplier-logistics-affect-your-products) [![Overstocked Delivery Bicycle ](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/how-supplier-logistics-affect-your-products.jpg "Overstocked Delivery Bicycle ")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-supplier-logistics-affect-your-products) Written by [Kendall Paradise](https://blog.epectec.com/author/kendall-paradise) Posted on July 19, 2017 at 3:28 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) If you are shipping products from China, underestimating the importance of understanding supplier logistics can come at great peril. Anyone that's been to mainland China has seen some things that probably made you double take in disbelief. You get off the plane, sitting in the back seat of your supplier’s van, most likely jet lagged, and you look out the window to see a bicycle comically overloaded with packages. Once you realize what you're looking at, the first thing you’re probably thinking is *I’m really glad my stuff doesn’t get shipped that way*. But can you really be sure? [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-supplier-logistics-affect-your-products) --- ## [Smart HMI Design To Production Timeline](https://blog.epectec.com/smart-hmi-design-to-production-timeline) [![Smart Human-Machine Interface with Embedded Firmware](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/smart-human-machine-interface.jpg "Smart Human-Machine Interface with Embedded Firmware")](https://blog.epectec.com/smart-hmi-design-to-production-timeline) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on July 13, 2017 at 1:55 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Before designing your custom human-machine interface (HMI) project, it's important to have an idea of all the steps involved before and during production. Each step has variable length so while there isn't an exact timeframe for production, having a more informed viewpoint is critical to everyone's ability for following [HMI design](http://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/hmi-design-and-development.html) best practices. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/smart-hmi-design-to-production-timeline) [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 (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 (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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