--- title: Epec's Blog | Printed Circuit Boards (8) 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. (8) --- [![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 --- ## [PCB Design & Layout: Checklist of What You Need Before You Start - Q&A](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-and-layout-checklist-of-what-you-need-before-you-start-q-and-a) [![PCB Design & Layout - Checklist of What You Need Before You Start](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/email-images/pcb-design-and-layout-checklist.jpg "PCB Design & Layout - Checklist of What You Need Before You Start")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-and-layout-checklist-of-what-you-need-before-you-start-q-and-a) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on May 25, 2021 at 8:49 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) At the conclusion of our webinar, [PCB Design & Layout - Checklist of What You Need Before You Start](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/05-14-2021/pcb-design-and-layout-checklist-of-what-you-need-before-you-start.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/pcb-design-and-layout-checklist-of-what-you-need-before-you-start-q-and-a) --- ## [Understanding How Solder and Coatings Impact PCB Shelf Life](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-how-solder-and-coatings-impact-pcb-shelf-life) [![Various printed circuit boards packaged in bubble wrap.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcbs-packaged-in-bubble-wrap.jpg "Various printed circuit boards packaged in bubble wrap.")](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-how-solder-and-coatings-impact-pcb-shelf-life) Written by [Sherry Clowers](https://blog.epectec.com/author/sherry-clowers) Posted on May 18, 2021 at 10:13 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) may go through extreme wear-and-tear based on environmental factors. They may be placed in applications where there will be fluctuating temperatures, extreme heat, extreme cold, high humidity, salt water, and excessive moisture. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-how-solder-and-coatings-impact-pcb-shelf-life) --- ## [Circuit Board Solder Mask - What to Use and What Not to Use](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-solder-mask-what-to-use-and-what-not-to-use) [![Example of printed circuit boards with various solder mask colors.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/circuit-board-with-various-solder-mask-colors.jpg "Example of printed circuit boards with various solder mask colors.")](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-solder-mask-what-to-use-and-what-not-to-use) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on May 4, 2021 at 10:12 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Remembering back to grammar school and the standard 8-box of Crayola crayons and when they expanded to 16 or 32 colors, never mind 64. If you managed to get this box with the sharpener, you had it made. I love color; the more the better. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-solder-mask-what-to-use-and-what-not-to-use) --- ## [IPC Class III vs. MIL Spec for Printed Circuit Boards](https://blog.epectec.com/ipc-class-iii-vs-mil-spec-for-printed-circuit-boards) [![Printed circuit board manufactured to MIL-spec standards](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/mil-spec-printed-circuit-board%20(1).jpg "Printed circuit board manufactured to MIL-spec standards")](https://blog.epectec.com/ipc-class-iii-vs-mil-spec-for-printed-circuit-boards) Written by [Jeff Forbus](https://blog.epectec.com/author/jeff-forbus) Posted on April 20, 2021 at 9:40 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When manufacturing [printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/), the boards will be classified into specific groups based on the level of quality. Any circuit board developed for IPC Class III has met the strictest requirements levels based on tight minimum tolerances and very high precision standards for mission-critical PCBs that can be used in industries such as aerospace, military, and medical applications. Reaching these specific standards ensures that the PCB will endure a long lifecycle, can withstand harsh environments, and will perform at an exceptional level without failure. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/ipc-class-iii-vs-mil-spec-for-printed-circuit-boards) --- ## [Best Practices for Ordering Your High-Tech PCBs Online](https://blog.epectec.com/best-practices-for-ordering-your-high-tech-pcbs-online) [![Ordering High Tech PCBs Online](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/ordering-high-tech-pcbs-online.jpg "Ordering High Tech PCBs Online")](https://blog.epectec.com/best-practices-for-ordering-your-high-tech-pcbs-online) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on April 6, 2021 at 9:39 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Many engineers associate [online printed circuit board](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) (PCB) ordering with simple prototype boards and low-volume production. However, Epec’s online ordering tool can also support advanced printed circuit boards, including designs with up to 16 layers, high-temperature materials, blind and buried vias, and controlled impedance requirements. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/best-practices-for-ordering-your-high-tech-pcbs-online) --- ## [How to Specify Dielectric Call-outs in Your PCB Design](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-specify-dielectric-call-outs-in-your-pcb-design) [![Example of common prepregs used in PCB manufacturing.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/prepreg-data-table.jpg "Example of common prepregs used in PCB manufacturing.")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-specify-dielectric-call-outs-in-your-pcb-design) Written by [Jim Marsh](https://blog.epectec.com/author/jim-marsh) Posted on January 13, 2021 at 9:19 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) As [printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) (PCBs) progressed, requiring their functions to be more and more complex and diverse, the number of layers increased from 1-2 layers, up to 4-30 layers, with 4-12-layer boards being more typical. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-specify-dielectric-call-outs-in-your-pcb-design) --- ## [Circuit Board Guidelines: Copper Weight vs. Lines and Spacing](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-guidelines-copper-weight-vs-lines-and-spacing) [![Multiple copper weights on the same layer of circuitry.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/extreme-heavy-copper-pcb.jpg "Multiple copper weights on the same layer of circuitry.")](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-guidelines-copper-weight-vs-lines-and-spacing) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on November 24, 2020 at 8:56 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When I think of the song, “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers from 1981 (played at my high school graduation in 1982), I wouldn’t have imagined I would still be in the [printed circuit board (PCB)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) industry. Yes, 1982! Wow. There are several nostalgic “things” about the time spent in the industry that still remind me of my hometown, family, friends, the U.S., my first real job doing something I had never heard of, hoping to make ends meet. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/circuit-board-guidelines-copper-weight-vs-lines-and-spacing) --- ## [Does a Hybrid Build Make Sense for My PCB Design?](https://blog.epectec.com/does-a-hybrid-build-make-sense-for-my-pcb-design) [![Example of a complex RF hybrid PCB designed with cavities.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/hybrid-pcb-designed-with-cavities.jpg "Example of a complex RF hybrid PCB designed with cavities.")](https://blog.epectec.com/does-a-hybrid-build-make-sense-for-my-pcb-design) Written by [Ed McMahon](https://blog.epectec.com/author/ed-mcmahon) Posted on September 16, 2020 at 9:34 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When talking about the world of technology, we often focus on the performance that circuitry and components provide to keep up with the fast-paced electronics we use in commercial businesses and our daily lives. We are achieving higher processor speeds and frequencies that become demanding on present [printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/). Yet, we also need to focus on the sizes of the applications that can have an impact on the PCB design. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/does-a-hybrid-build-make-sense-for-my-pcb-design) --- ## [PCB Via-In-Pad Processing - Do You Really Need It?](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-via-in-pad-processing-do-you-really-need-it) [![The green within the red are the vias within the pad. These would be filled with epoxy, sanded down, and plated over, invisible to the eye.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/vias-within-the-pad.jpg "The green within the red are the vias within the pad. These would be filled with epoxy, sanded down, and plated over, invisible to the eye.")](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-via-in-pad-processing-do-you-really-need-it) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on September 3, 2020 at 9:34 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In 1913, the comic strip (which then led to the phrase of the same name) “Keeping Up with the Joneses” was brought to life in print. Although that comic strip ended in 1940, let’s face it, in every aspect of the phrase, it is still in practice today. In business and as consumers, we look ahead to what is next. From a freshly opened new cell phone or television, we are already counting the days until the next rendition is available. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-via-in-pad-processing-do-you-really-need-it) --- ## [Improve Insertion Loss with Proper PCB Material Stack-ups](https://blog.epectec.com/improve-insertion-loss-with-proper-pcb-material-stack-ups) [![Example of a PCB material stack-up with alternating layers of core and prepeg.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcb-material-stackup.jpg "Example of a PCB material stack-up with alternating layers of core and prepeg.")](https://blog.epectec.com/improve-insertion-loss-with-proper-pcb-material-stack-ups) Written by [Ed McMahon](https://blog.epectec.com/author/ed-mcmahon) Posted on August 26, 2020 at 9:46 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When talking about the design and manufacturing of [printed circuit boards (PCBs)](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/), customers mainly focus on the controls and signal frequencies that the PCB will perform for the specific application. Another topic to also take into consideration is the insertion loss. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/improve-insertion-loss-with-proper-pcb-material-stack-ups) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards/page/7) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards/page/9) --- ### 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? [![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. All Rights Reserved. [Tariff Resources](https://www.epectec.com/tariff-resources/)|[Privacy Policy](https://www.epectec.com/privacy-policy/)|[Term & Conditions](https://www.epectec.com/terms/site.html)|[Sitemap](https://www.epectec.com/sitemap.html)