--- title: Epec's Blog | Product Design (12) description: Product Design | A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (12) --- [![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 --- ## [Design Comparison: Flex Circuit with Stiffeners vs. Rigid-Flex PCB](https://blog.epectec.com/design-comparison-flex-circuit-with-stiffeners-vs-rigid-flex-pcb) [![Flexible circuit board designed with stiffeners](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/flexible-circuit-board-designed-with-stiffeners.jpg "Flexible circuit board designed with stiffeners")](https://blog.epectec.com/design-comparison-flex-circuit-with-stiffeners-vs-rigid-flex-pcb) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on April 2, 2019 at 10:49 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When developing a [flex PCB based design](https://www.epectec.com/flex/design/), one of the most common early decisions is whether a flex circuit with stiffener(s) will meet the design requirements or if a rigid-flex construction is necessary or more effective. While there is some overlap between the two methodologies, there are significant capability, performance, and cost differences that require review to ensure a successful design. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/design-comparison-flex-circuit-with-stiffeners-vs-rigid-flex-pcb) --- ## [Integrating Flex with Rigid PCB to Improve Design](https://blog.epectec.com/integrating-flex-with-rigid-pcb-to-improve-design) [![Rigid-Flex PCB with no Points of Interconnect](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/rigid-flex-pcb-with-no-points-of-interconnect.jpg "Rigid-Flex PCB with no Points of Interconnect")](https://blog.epectec.com/integrating-flex-with-rigid-pcb-to-improve-design) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on March 27, 2019 at 9:49 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Integrating flex circuits with rigid PCBs in a [rigid-flex configuration](https://www.epectec.com/articles/how-rigid-flex-pcb-design-configurations-are-advancing.html) helps address common design challenges by combining the mechanical advantages of flex circuitry with the functionality of rigid circuit board sections. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/integrating-flex-with-rigid-pcb-to-improve-design) --- ## [How to Specify Stiffener Requirements in Flex PCB Design Drawings](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-specify-stiffener-requirements-in-flex-pcb-design-drawings) [![Flex Circuit with Connector Area Support Stiffeners](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/flex-circuit-with-connector-area-support-stiffener.jpg "Flex Circuit with Connector Area Support Stiffeners")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-specify-stiffener-requirements-in-flex-pcb-design-drawings) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on March 14, 2019 at 1:39 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Stiffeners](https://www.epectec.com/flex/flex-circuit-stiffeners.html) are a critical element in [flex circuit design](https://www.epectec.com/flex/design/) and directly influence the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of the finished product. Properly specified stiffeners provide support for component and connector areas, help meet ZIF connector requirements, address mechanical bend constraints, and can assist with heat dissipation. Complete and accurate documentation is essential to ensure the finished flex circuit meets design requirements. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-specify-stiffener-requirements-in-flex-pcb-design-drawings) --- ## [Consider the Cable: How to Improve Product Design with Big Picture Planning](https://blog.epectec.com/consider-the-cable-how-to-improve-product-design-with-big-picture-planning) [![Various Cables Used at an Office Desk](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/various-cables-used-at-an-office-desk.jpg "Various Cables Used at an Office Desk")](https://blog.epectec.com/consider-the-cable-how-to-improve-product-design-with-big-picture-planning) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on February 6, 2019 at 10:36 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Look around at your desk, workstation, or wherever you’re siting while reading this blog post. The odds are favorable there are multiple cables within reach right now! It’s true, everyone needs and uses cables. Not just in one’s personal life, but also in the workplace, in industry, and even in combat. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/consider-the-cable-how-to-improve-product-design-with-big-picture-planning) --- ## [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) --- ## [Firmware Development Basics For SMART HMIs](https://blog.epectec.com/firmware-development-basics-for-smart-hmis) [![PVA](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/PVA.jpg "PVA")](https://blog.epectec.com/firmware-development-basics-for-smart-hmis) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on July 9, 2018 at 1:36 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When our customers are in the preliminary stages of launching a new SMART HMI project, they typically reach out seeking advice on the best way to start. With what can amount to a near infinite number of [HMI design](http://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/hmi-design-and-development.html) options and system feature combinations, brainstorming an embedded firmware project can quickly become overwhelming. Where does one begin? How does the firmware work? What level of detail is required *now*? [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/firmware-development-basics-for-smart-hmis) --- ## [How IoT in Manufacturing Improves Customer and User Efficiency](https://blog.epectec.com/how-iot-in-manufacturing-improves-customer-and-user-efficiency) [![Machine Performance Check with IoT Device](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/machine-performance-check-with-iot-device.png "Machine Performance Check with IoT Device")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-iot-in-manufacturing-improves-customer-and-user-efficiency) Written by [Ed McMahon](https://blog.epectec.com/author/ed-mcmahon) Posted on July 3, 2018 at 11:03 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) > *“The power of the Internet of Things comes from the ability to collect a lot of data and convert that into useful information.”* ~Bertil Thorvaldson, ABB Robotics While that is a very simple concept to understand, manufacturing Internet of Things (IoT) technology into most products can be a significant investment of time and money for companies. As a designer and manufacturer of medical, commercial, industrial, and military products, we are working with many customers on implementing IoT into their products to improve the customer experience and provide an additional revenue stream. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-iot-in-manufacturing-improves-customer-and-user-efficiency) --- ## [How To Design PCBs - Engineering Advice on Details](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-design-pcbs-engineering-advice-on-details) [![Automated PCB Plating Lines](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/automated-pcb-plating-lines.jpg "Automated PCB Plating Lines")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-design-pcbs-engineering-advice-on-details) Written by [Jim Marsh](https://blog.epectec.com/author/jim-marsh) Posted on June 19, 2018 at 2:04 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In front-end engineering, we must gather as much manufacturing information as possible from the [printed circuit board data](http://www.epectec.com/pcb/data-requirements.html) we receive. This includes customer service notes, customer emails, and the general spec, if available. Usually there is enough information to release a printed circuit board (PCB) package to manufacturing. However, I have found many gray areas that haunt our engineering department. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-design-pcbs-engineering-advice-on-details) --- ## [How Added Electronics Improve Your Cable Assembly Design](https://blog.epectec.com/how-added-electronics-improve-your-cable-assembly-design) [![Cable Assembly with LED Overmold and Strain Relief](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/cable-assembly-with-led-overmold-and-strain-relief.jpg "Cable Assembly with LED Overmold and Strain Relief")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-added-electronics-improve-your-cable-assembly-design) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on April 9, 2018 at 12:42 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) As [custom manufactured cable assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/) have grown in complexity, it has become far more common to see various electronics integrated directly into the finished design. The inclusion of electronics into a cable assembly design can consist of adding a switch, PCB, LED, or a multitude of other components. Once added, these components offer a much higher level of sophistication to the cable assembly while allowing the included electronics the ability to withstand a much more rugged working environment. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-added-electronics-improve-your-cable-assembly-design) --- ## [Cable Assembly Design For Shielding From EMI and RFI](https://blog.epectec.com/cable-assembly-design-for-shielding-from-emi-and-rfi) [![not-sealing-the-seams-around-the-backshell.jpg](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/not-sealing-the-seams-around-the-backshell.jpg "not-sealing-the-seams-around-the-backshell.jpg")](https://blog.epectec.com/cable-assembly-design-for-shielding-from-emi-and-rfi) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on February 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) EMI (electromagnetic interference) and RFI (radio-frequency interference) are disturbances generated by external sources that impact a cable assembly by degrading the assembly's performance or completely preventing it from functioning. These disturbances can cause problems ranging from an increase in error rates of the signal being transmitted through the assembly to total loss of any electronically readable signal. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/cable-assembly-design-for-shielding-from-emi-and-rfi) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design/page/11) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design/page/13) --- ### 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. 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)