--- title: Epec's Blog | Printed Circuit Boards (6) 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. (6) --- [![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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[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 --- ## [Understanding Common Component Designs for Mil-Aero Devices](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-common-component-designs-for-mil-aero-devices) [![Close up view of helicopter cockpit with controls](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/helicopter-cockpits-close-up.jpg "Close up view of helicopter cockpit with controls")](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-common-component-designs-for-mil-aero-devices) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on December 15, 2022 at 9:27 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Mil-aero devices live in a special place in the worlds of design and engineering. These are devices that are often subjected to extraordinary environments. They have extreme requirements, and they often must function in the harshest environments of the world. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-common-component-designs-for-mil-aero-devices) --- ## [High-Speed PCB Design Considerations for Fabrication](https://blog.epectec.com/high-speed-pcb-design-considerations-for-fabrication) [![Example of a high-speed PCB design](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/high-speed-pcb-design.jpg "Example of a high-speed PCB design")](https://blog.epectec.com/high-speed-pcb-design-considerations-for-fabrication) Written by [Ed McMahon](https://blog.epectec.com/author/ed-mcmahon) Posted on September 21, 2022 at 8:37 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) While PCB layout typically has played the leading role in high-speed [printed circuit board (PCB)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) applications, the role of the PCB fabricator becomes more and more important as the trend to faster, higher integrated, smaller form factors, and lower power electronic circuits become more prevalent. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/high-speed-pcb-design-considerations-for-fabrication) --- ## [Medical Device Designs: Components, Elements, and Design Priorities](https://blog.epectec.com/medical-device-designs-components-elements-and-design-priorities) [![Patient in medical room setting](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/patient-in-medical-room-setting.jpg "Patient in medical room setting")](https://blog.epectec.com/medical-device-designs-components-elements-and-design-priorities) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on September 1, 2022 at 9:22 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Designing medical devices is no simple task. The stakes are higher for these devices compared to most other industries. Because of that, medical device engineers need to think carefully about which design elements should be prioritized. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/medical-device-designs-components-elements-and-design-priorities) --- ## [Choosing The Right PCB Laminate Material For Your Circuit Board](https://blog.epectec.com/choosing-the-right-pcb-laminate-material-for-your-circuit-board) [![Printed Circuit Board Manufactured with FR4 Laminate Material](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/circuit-board-manufactured-with-fr4-laminate-material.jpg "Printed Circuit Board Manufactured with FR4 Laminate Material")](https://blog.epectec.com/choosing-the-right-pcb-laminate-material-for-your-circuit-board) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on August 23, 2022 at 8:54 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) For all [printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/), the main component is the base laminate material. Choosing what you need or want to use is not as simple as it sounds. There are many options out there and many flavors that can be used but how do you know what to pick and how do you note it as my item of choice on the fabrication package? [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/choosing-the-right-pcb-laminate-material-for-your-circuit-board) --- ## [How To Prevent Plating Voids And Solder Voids During PCB Manufacturing](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-prevent-plating-voids-and-solder-voids-during-pcb-manufacturing) [![PCB Copper Plated Void](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcb-copper-plated-void.jpg "PCB Copper Plated Void")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-prevent-plating-voids-and-solder-voids-during-pcb-manufacturing) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on June 28, 2022 at 8:53 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) During the manufacturing of [printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/), a lot of attention is focused on how tools and processes are handled to avoid many common quality issues such as brittle joints, cold joints, and voids. Voids consist of an empty space somewhere along the PCB where not enough of a certain material was added. If the voiding issue is not addressed, then the entire PCB may need to be scrapped. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-prevent-plating-voids-and-solder-voids-during-pcb-manufacturing) --- ## [PTFE vs FR4 PCB Laminate Materials - Cost and Performance Options](https://blog.epectec.com/ptfe-vs-fr4-pcb-laminate-materials-cost-and-performance-options) [![Circuit Board With FR4 Laminate and PTFE Laminate](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/circuit-board-with-fr4-laminate-and-ptfe-laminate.jpg "Circuit Board With FR4 Laminate and PTFE Laminate")](https://blog.epectec.com/ptfe-vs-fr4-pcb-laminate-materials-cost-and-performance-options) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on June 15, 2022 at 8:48 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Not all [printed circuit board](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) (PCB) laminate materials are equivalent. While many materials share fundamental characteristics, differences in electrical performance, thermal behavior, availability, cost, and manufacturability can have a significant impact on PCB design and production. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/ptfe-vs-fr4-pcb-laminate-materials-cost-and-performance-options) --- ## [Via-in-Pad Plugging or Plated Process and the Effect on PCB Hole Sizes](https://blog.epectec.com/via-in-pad-plugging-or-plated-process-and-the-effect-on-pcb-hole-sizes) [![Cross Section Example of a PCB Filled Via](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/cross-section-example-of-a-pcb-filled-via.jpg "Cross Section Example of a PCB Filled Via")](https://blog.epectec.com/via-in-pad-plugging-or-plated-process-and-the-effect-on-pcb-hole-sizes) Written by [Jeff Forbus](https://blog.epectec.com/author/jeff-forbus) Posted on June 1, 2022 at 9:13 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) There are several reasons for the need to plug [printed circuit board (PCB)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) holes. Some of the most commonly seen reasons include properly tenting or covering the via with solder mask (isolation), to prevent entrapment (solder, chemistry, flux), to prevent solder starvation (wicking of solder in the hole/surface mount technology (SMT) placement directly on via), and for thermal or electrical purposes. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/via-in-pad-plugging-or-plated-process-and-the-effect-on-pcb-hole-sizes) --- ## [Why High-Tech Multi-Layer PCB Features Add Cost and Process Time - Q&A](https://blog.epectec.com/why-high-tech-multi-layer-pcb-features-add-cost-and-processing-time-q-and-a) [![Why High-Tech Multi-Layer PCB Features Add Cost and Processing Time](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/email-images/webinar-why-high-tech-multi-layer-pcb-features-add-cost-and-processing-time.jpg "Why High-Tech Multi-Layer PCB Features Add Cost and Processing Time")](https://blog.epectec.com/why-high-tech-multi-layer-pcb-features-add-cost-and-processing-time-q-and-a) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on May 24, 2022 at 2:01 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) At the conclusion of our webinar, [Why High-Tech Multi-Layer PCB Features Add Cost and Processing Time](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/05-20-2022/why-high-tech-multi-layer-pcb-features-add-cost-and-processing-time.html), we had several questions submitted to our presenter, Angie Brown, PCB Product Manager at Epec. We have compiled these questions into a readable format on our blog. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/why-high-tech-multi-layer-pcb-features-add-cost-and-processing-time-q-and-a) --- ## [Top 7 PCB Data Discrepancies and Issues for DFM and How to Avoid Them](https://blog.epectec.com/top-7-pcb-data-discrepancies-and-issues-for-dfm-and-how-to-avoid-them) [![PCB Dimensional Discrepancy](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcb-dimensional-discrepancy.jpg "PCB Dimensional Discrepancy")](https://blog.epectec.com/top-7-pcb-data-discrepancies-and-issues-for-dfm-and-how-to-avoid-them) Written by [Jeff Forbus](https://blog.epectec.com/author/jeff-forbus) Posted on May 16, 2022 at 9:13 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When it comes to manufacturing [printed circuit boards (PCB)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/), providing your PCB supplier with a clean data package can decrease cycle time and ensure requirements are clearly understood. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/top-7-pcb-data-discrepancies-and-issues-for-dfm-and-how-to-avoid-them) --- ## [PCB Breakaway Tabs: Reduce Remnant Materials and Improve Strength](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-breakaway-tabs-reduce-remnant-materials-and-improve-strength) [![Breakaway Holes On The Actual PCB Edge](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/breakaway-holes-on-the-actual-pcb-edge.jpg "Breakaway Holes On The Actual PCB Edge")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-breakaway-tabs-reduce-remnant-materials-and-improve-strength) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on May 3, 2022 at 9:41 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) As the printed circuit board’s physical size became smaller in one or both directions, it quickly became an issue for both the raw PCB supplier and the contract manufacturer to manage the parts on certain equipment. Processes like routing, electrical test, and packaging added cost to production for either time or scrap. Fallout was an issue that recovery was not possible. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-breakaway-tabs-reduce-remnant-materials-and-improve-strength) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards/page/5) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards/page/7) --- ### 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 (96)](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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