--- title: Epec's Blog | Printed Circuit Boards (11) description: Printed Circuit Boards | A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (11) --- [![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/) - 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[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 --- ## [Printed Circuit Board Design Trends](https://blog.epectec.com/printed-circuit-board-design-trends) [![Vacuum tubes vs pcb with smt](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/vacuum-tubes-vs-pcb-with-smt.jpg "Vacuum tubes vs pcb with smt")](https://blog.epectec.com/printed-circuit-board-design-trends) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on June 13, 2019 at 12:26 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) have become an integral part of everyday modern life, both at work and at home. PCBs were at one time found primarily where you would have expected them to reside inside computers, calculators, televisions, and other such obviously electronic devices, but now they present nearly everywhere. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/printed-circuit-board-design-trends) --- ## [PCB Layout Quote: A Guide to Required Items](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-layout-quote-a-guide-to-required-items) [![Pcb viewed in native cad program](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/pcb-viewed-in-native-cad-program.jpg "Pcb viewed in native cad program")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-layout-quote-a-guide-to-required-items) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on June 4, 2019 at 9:24 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) It is sometimes necessary to have some, or all, of your PCB layout projects done by an outside source. If you’ve never done a layout before, or if you don’t have the tools or experience to take on more complex projects, it is often better to have a professional complete the work. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-layout-quote-a-guide-to-required-items) --- ## [What is a PCB Netlist and Why do You Need It?](https://blog.epectec.com/what-is-a-pcb-netlist-and-why-do-you-need-it) [![Example of a PCB Netlist File](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/example-of-a-pcb-netlist-file.jpg "Example of a PCB Netlist File")](https://blog.epectec.com/what-is-a-pcb-netlist-and-why-do-you-need-it) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on January 16, 2019 at 8:40 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Nobody wants to experience the feeling of populating your new [printed circuit board (PCB)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) design and finding out that it is not electrically functional. Most often, the lack of functionality is attributable to a specific production problem or a combination of several different problems. Sometimes, however, the problem is that the Gerber files exported from your PCB CAD program contained an error that went unnoticed because there was no way to verify that the files matched your design intent. You can avoid a good deal of trouble by supplying an IPC-356 format netlist file with your fabrication data package. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/what-is-a-pcb-netlist-and-why-do-you-need-it) --- ## [ENEPIG Benefits for Gold Wire Bonding](https://blog.epectec.com/enepig-benefits-for-gold-wire-bonding) [![Magnification of PCB Showing Black Pad](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/pcb-showing-black-pad-under-microscope.jpg "Magnification of PCB Showing Black Pad")](https://blog.epectec.com/enepig-benefits-for-gold-wire-bonding) Written by [Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Posted on November 27, 2018 at 9:15 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ENEPIG (Electroless Nickel, Immersion Palladium, Immersion Gold) was derived out of the need to combat the challenge with the immersion gold process and [Black Pad Syndrome](https://blog.epectec.com/urban-legends-of-pcb-processes-enig-black-pad). Black Pad (the hyper corrosion of underlying nickel) was baffling both PCB assemblers and manufacturers. After much analysis, the root cause was determined to be the nickel deposit. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/enepig-benefits-for-gold-wire-bonding) --- ## [PCB Array Cost Saving Suggestions](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-array-cost-saving-suggestions) [![PCB Panel Array with Scored Edges](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/pcb-panel-array-with-scored-edges.jpg "PCB Panel Array with Scored Edges")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-array-cost-saving-suggestions) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on November 6, 2018 at 12:10 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) As material, freight, and labor costs continue to increase, [printed circuit board](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) (PCB) designers and buyers are under growing pressure to reduce manufacturing costs wherever practical. While material selection and board construction often receive the most attention, PCB array design can also have a significant impact on manufacturing efficiency and overall product cost. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-array-cost-saving-suggestions) --- ## [How to Manage PCB Design Cost Adders](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-manage-pcb-design-cost-adders) [![Example of PCBs with Small Router Channel](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/exmaple-of-pcbs-with-small-router-channel.jpg "Example of PCBs with Small Router Channel")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-manage-pcb-design-cost-adders) Written by [Al Wright](https://blog.epectec.com/author/al-wright) Posted on October 30, 2018 at 9:21 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Printed circuit board (PCB) designers often find themselves at odds with their purchasing and marketing departments after a design goes out for bids and comes back with a larger than expected price tag. Once the source of the high cost is identified, the questions fly, the fingers point, and the nerves fray. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-manage-pcb-design-cost-adders) --- ## [Guide to Using Different Types of Gold in PCB](https://blog.epectec.com/guide-to-using-different-types-of-gold-in-pcb) [![PCB Manufactured with ENIG Surface Finish](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/pcb-manufactured-with-enig-surface-finish.jpg "PCB Manufactured with ENIG Surface Finish")](https://blog.epectec.com/guide-to-using-different-types-of-gold-in-pcb) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on October 22, 2018 at 8:11 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Gold surface finishes serve different functions in [printed circuits board (PCB)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) manufacturing, and selecting the right option depends on assembly requirements, durability needs, and overall cost objectives. Understanding the differences between ENIG, ENEPIG, hard gold, and flash gold helps designers choose the most appropriate finish for their application while balancing manufacturability, reliability, and lead time. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/guide-to-using-different-types-of-gold-in-pcb) --- ## [Common PCB Scoring Guidelines to Follow](https://blog.epectec.com/common-pcb-scoring-guidelines-to-follow) [![Odd Shaped Circuit Board Scored in Array](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/odd-shaped-circuit-board-scored-in-array.jpg "Odd Shaped Circuit Board Scored in Array")](https://blog.epectec.com/common-pcb-scoring-guidelines-to-follow) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on October 2, 2018 at 10:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) V-scoring remains one of the most widely used methods for panelizing [printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) (PCB) and preparing them for depanelization after assembly. As PCB manufacturing technologies continue to evolve, designers should understand the design constraints that affect whether a circuit board is a good candidate for scoring and when alternative approaches such as routing may be more appropriate. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/common-pcb-scoring-guidelines-to-follow) --- ## [Printed Circuit Board Solderability Issues](https://blog.epectec.com/printed-circuit-board-solderability-issues) [![HASL De-Wetting on Improperly Packaged PCBs](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/hasl-de-wetting-on-improperly-packaged-pcbs.jpg "HASL De-Wetting on Improperly Packaged PCBs")](https://blog.epectec.com/printed-circuit-board-solderability-issues) Written by [Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Posted on August 14, 2018 at 10:29 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Solving solderability issues for printed circuit boards (PCBs) can be a real hassle. Nothing is more frustrating than having lined up all your materials for an assembly, only to start running the package through reflow and discover that the [solder paste is wetting poorly to the pads](http://www.epectec.com/pcb/wave-soldering-defects/poor-lead-solderability-and-wetting.html). Immediately, the profile is checked to confirm proper parameters. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/printed-circuit-board-solderability-issues) --- ## [What are Non-Conformances and How do PCB Manufacturers Fix Them?](https://blog.epectec.com/what-are-non-conformances-and-how-do-pcb-manufacturers-fix-them) [![Non-conformances in PCB Manufacturing](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/non-conformances-in-pcb-manufacturing.jpg "Non-conformances in PCB Manufacturing")](https://blog.epectec.com/what-are-non-conformances-and-how-do-pcb-manufacturers-fix-them) Written by [Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Posted on August 3, 2018 at 12:37 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) For customers and suppliers along the PCB manufacturing process, non-conformances will, unfortunately, happen from time to time. A non-conformance consists of receiving an order for printed circuit boards that do not meet your specifications or industry (IPC) standards. While dealing with these issues is obviously essential, the solution is sometimes not obvious and can put on-time delivery to your customer at risk. It is imperative that your circuit board supplier can deliver conforming product as soon as possible, which means having the procedures to get there. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/what-are-non-conformances-and-how-do-pcb-manufacturers-fix-them) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards/page/10) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards/page/12) --- ### 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? 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