--- title: Epec's Blog | Product Design description: Product Design | A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. --- [![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 --- ## [Designing PCBs for Extreme Environments](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-pcbs-for-extreme-environments) [![PCB designed to perform in all environments](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcbs-in-extreme-environments.jpg "PCB designed to perform in all environments")](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-pcbs-for-extreme-environments) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on September 29, 2026 at 8:59 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Printed circuit boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) used in extreme environments must withstand temperature extremes, vibration, shock, moisture, chemicals, corrosion, and high electrical stress. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-pcbs-for-extreme-environments) --- ## [How Design Choices Impact Price in Flex PCB Manufacturing](https://blog.epectec.com/how-design-choices-impact-price-in-flex-pcb-manufacturing) [![Flexible circuit board designed to be a coil and lay flat](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/flexible-pcb-designed-to-be-coill-and-lay-flat.jpg "Flexible circuit board designed to be a coil and lay flat")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-design-choices-impact-price-in-flex-pcb-manufacturing) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on September 16, 2026 at 9:07 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Flexible circuits](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) offer advantages that [rigid PCBs](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) cannot, including improved reliability, reduced weight, and the ability to fit into compact or dynamic applications. However, these benefits often come with manufacturing considerations that can influence the overall cost of the finished circuit. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-design-choices-impact-price-in-flex-pcb-manufacturing) --- ## [SolidWorks: Converting a STEP File to a Workable SLDPRT File](https://blog.epectec.com/solidworks-converting-a-step-file-to-a-workable-sldprt-file) [![SolidWorks system options](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/solidworks-system-options.jpg "SolidWorks system options")](https://blog.epectec.com/solidworks-converting-a-step-file-to-a-workable-sldprt-file) Written by [Chandler Jardin](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chandler-jardin) Posted on September 8, 2026 at 9:12 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In the electronics industry, engineers regularly rely on STEP files to share 3D data between customers and external suppliers of components like [cables](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/), [battery packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/), [machined parts](https://www.epectec.com/cnc-machining/), and [more](https://www.epectec.com/products/). [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/solidworks-converting-a-step-file-to-a-workable-sldprt-file) --- ## [Designing for IPC Class III: Meeting Aerospace-Grade PCB Standards](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-for-ipc-class-iii-meeting-aerospace-grade-pcb-standards) [![PCB manufactured for Class III application](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/pcb-manufactured-for-class-III-application.jpg "PCB manufactured for Class III application")](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-for-ipc-class-iii-meeting-aerospace-grade-pcb-standards) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on August 25, 2026 at 8:43 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When starting a new PCB design or revision, considering the end application is usually at the forefront. Most of what we produce here at Epec is built to IPC-6012, the latest revision and Class II. Industry standards, as defined, and, of course, customer specifications, fabrication drawings, and the purchase order related to it are all taken into consideration, but these are typically part of the fabrication-to-quote and occur when the design is complete. So, what should be considered long before the quote and purchase? [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-for-ipc-class-iii-meeting-aerospace-grade-pcb-standards) --- ## [Designing User Interfaces for Marine and Outdoor Equipment](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-user-interfaces-for-marine-and-outdoor-equipment) [![User interface keypad used in a marine application](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/keypad-used-in-a-marine-application.jpg "User interface keypad used in a marine application")](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-user-interfaces-for-marine-and-outdoor-equipment) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on August 19, 2026 at 8:48 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Walk outside and look around. Chances are you will interact with several [human-to-machine electronic interfaces](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/) before the day is over. You may use the keypad at a gas station, enter a code on a garage door opener, check a trail camera in the woods, or navigate using a chartplotter multifunction display (MFD) on a boat. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-user-interfaces-for-marine-and-outdoor-equipment) --- ## [Rigid-Flex in Space: Designing Circuit Boards to Survive the Elements](https://blog.epectec.com/rigid-flex-in-space-designing-circuit-boards-to-survive-the-elements) [![Rigid-flex PCB designed with shielding](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/rigid-flex-pcb-designed-with-shielding.jpg "Rigid-flex PCB designed with shielding")](https://blog.epectec.com/rigid-flex-in-space-designing-circuit-boards-to-survive-the-elements) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on July 9, 2026 at 8:56 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Space is widely recognized as one of the most unforgiving environments for electronics. Extreme temperatures, radiation exposure, vacuum conditions, and mechanical stress during launch all combine to create a unique set of challenges for printed circuit boards. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/rigid-flex-in-space-designing-circuit-boards-to-survive-the-elements) --- ## [High-Density Flex Circuit Designs: Tips for Success](https://blog.epectec.com/high-density-flex-circuit-designs-tips-for-success) [![Flexible PCB designed with advanced interconnect technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/flexible-pcb-with-advanced-interconnect-technologies.jpg "Flexible PCB designed with advanced interconnect technologies")](https://blog.epectec.com/high-density-flex-circuit-designs-tips-for-success) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on June 17, 2026 at 9:02 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The first time you hold a finished high-density [flex circuit](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) in your hands, it can feel a little surreal. You know how much circuitry is packed inside, how many tradeoffs were made, and how much risk sat in every design decision. Yet the finished product is thin, light, and deceptively simple. That contrast is what makes high-density flex design so rewarding and so challenging at the same time. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/high-density-flex-circuit-designs-tips-for-success) --- ## [Designing for Testability: DFX Strategies for PCBs](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-for-testability-dfx-strategies-for-pcbs) [![Mask issues during DFM review](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/mask-issues-during-dfm.jpg "Mask issues during DFM review")](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-for-testability-dfx-strategies-for-pcbs) Written by [Angie Brown](https://blog.epectec.com/author/angie-brown) Posted on June 9, 2026 at 8:44 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) From a [PCB manufacturing](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) perspective, designing for testability focuses on ensuring the circuit board can be efficiently inspected and verified at scale without slowing down production or increasing costs. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/designing-for-testability-dfx-strategies-for-pcbs) --- ## [How to Avoid Common BMS Design Mistakes](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-avoid-common-bms-design-mistakes) [![Custom battery pack with BMS designed for cell balancing](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/custom-battery-pack-with-bms.jpg "Custom battery pack with BMS designed for cell balancing")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-avoid-common-bms-design-mistakes) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on April 28, 2026 at 9:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Battery management systems](https://blog.epectec.com/battery-management-systems-considerations-for-optimal-performance) (BMS) are safety devices integrated into battery packs to monitor the cells during charging and discharging phases. These systems can activate safety controls when problems arise while logging data that you can use to evaluate the cell's stability. When functioning properly, the BMS can improve the efficiency and longevity of the [battery pack](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/). Unfortunately, BMS design flaws may cause serious risks and failures to cells. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-avoid-common-bms-design-mistakes) --- ## [Understanding Adhesives and Stiffeners in Rigid-Flex PCB Designs](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-adhesives-and-stiffeners-in-rigid-flex-pcb-designs) [![Back side view of rigid-flex PCB with stiffeners and adhesives](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/rigid-flex-pcb-with-stiffeners-and-adhesives.jpg "Back side view of rigid-flex PCB with stiffeners and adhesives")](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-adhesives-and-stiffeners-in-rigid-flex-pcb-designs) Written by [Zachary Walker](https://blog.epectec.com/author/zachary-walker) Posted on April 16, 2026 at 9:04 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Typically, when stiffeners and adhesives are thought of, they are only considered for [flexible PCBs](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) rather than rigid-flex PCBs. In reality, stiffeners can be applied to [rigid-flex designs](https://www.epectec.com/flex/design/) just as they are in flexible circuits. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-adhesives-and-stiffeners-in-rigid-flex-pcb-designs) [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design/page/2) --- ### 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)