--- title: Epec's Blog | Product Design (7) description: Product Design | A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (7) --- [![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) - 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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 --- ## [COTS Enclosures and Reducing Costs in Custom Box Build Designs](https://blog.epectec.com/cots-enclosures-and-reducing-costs-in-custom-box-build-designs) [![Custom enclosure designed using 3D modeling software](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/custom-enclosure-designed-using-3d-modeling-software.jpg "Custom enclosure designed using 3D modeling software")](https://blog.epectec.com/cots-enclosures-and-reducing-costs-in-custom-box-build-designs) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on September 27, 2022 at 8:37 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When bringing a new project to market that involves [an injection molded enclosure](https://www.epectec.com/injection-molded-plastics), there will be critical design and sourcing decisions that can have a tremendous impact on the overall project. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/cots-enclosures-and-reducing-costs-in-custom-box-build-designs) --- ## [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) --- ## [Why Heat Dissipation is Important in Flexible Circuit Board Design](https://blog.epectec.com/why-heat-dissipation-is-important-in-flexible-circuit-board-design) [![Multilayer flex circuit with solid copper planes for heat dissipation.](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/multilayer-flex-circuit-with-solid-copper-planes-for-heat-dissipation..jpg "Multilayer flex circuit with solid copper planes for heat dissipation.")](https://blog.epectec.com/why-heat-dissipation-is-important-in-flexible-circuit-board-design) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on September 6, 2022 at 8:23 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Heat dissipation is the ability of a part, whether a circuit or any other component, to take the heat that's being generated by a component or an element of the design and to distribute it, dissipate it, and make the heat go away, for lack of a better phrase. This prevents the temperature of the part from continuing to elevate as the device is operated. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/why-heat-dissipation-is-important-in-flexible-circuit-board-design) --- ## [Membrane Switch Circuit Design Best Practices](https://blog.epectec.com/membrane-switch-circuit-design-best-practices) [![Membrane switch circuit layer with ZIF connector](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/membrane-switch-circuit-layer-with-zif-connector.jpg "Membrane switch circuit layer with ZIF connector")](https://blog.epectec.com/membrane-switch-circuit-design-best-practices) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on August 15, 2022 at 8:22 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) A [membrane switch](https://www.epectec.com/membranes/) is a particular type of custom switch assembly built to either open or close an electrical circuit's conducting path. Each layer in the assembly serves its own unique purpose. Custom features can easily be added with the design considerations. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/membrane-switch-circuit-design-best-practices) --- ## [How CAD Helps Design Engineers Make Layout Decisions](https://blog.epectec.com/how-cad-helps-design-engineers-make-layout-decisions) [![Manually Generated CAD Drawing](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/manually-generated-cad-drawing.jpg "Manually Generated CAD Drawing")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-cad-helps-design-engineers-make-layout-decisions) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on July 27, 2022 at 8:42 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems and software began replacing drawing boards during the 1980s. Today, there’s hardly an engineer anywhere who uses pencil and paper to produce engineering drawings. Everyone uses CAD, for the simple reason that it offers many advantages. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-cad-helps-design-engineers-make-layout-decisions) --- ## [Custom Cable Assemblies and the Best Design Considerations](https://blog.epectec.com/custom-cable-assemblies-and-the-best-design-considerations) [![Shielded Cable Assembly](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/shielded-cable-assembly.jpg "Shielded Cable Assembly")](https://blog.epectec.com/custom-cable-assemblies-and-the-best-design-considerations) Written by [Justin Bickford](https://blog.epectec.com/author/justin-bickford) Posted on May 25, 2022 at 9:49 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When designing a [custom cable assembly](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/), it can be more in-depth than you would initially think. All you have to do is make connections, right? What could be intricate about that? If care is not taken during the design process, it could lead to unintentional failures or incorrect functionality down the line. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/custom-cable-assemblies-and-the-best-design-considerations) --- ## [Flex PCB Design Options: PCB Pattern Plating vs. Pad Plating](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-pcb-design-options-pcb-pattern-plating-vs-pad-plating) [![Pad Plating Cross Section](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/pad-plating-cross-section.jpg "Pad Plating Cross Section")](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-pcb-design-options-pcb-pattern-plating-vs-pad-plating) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on May 11, 2022 at 9:21 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Flexibility is a critical element in most [flexible circuit board designs](https://www.epectec.com/flex/). Whether it’s to meet a tight “one-time bend-to-fit” application or a “dynamic” infinite bend cycle application. To meet these requirements, a flex circuit design must be kept as thin as practically possible, use the correct copper type, and utilize the correct copper plating process. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/flex-pcb-design-options-pcb-pattern-plating-vs-pad-plating) --- ## [How To Incorporate Magnets into Your Custom Overmolded Cable Design](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-incorporate-magnets-into-your-custom-overmolded-cable-design) [![Cable assembly with doughnut shaped ferrite](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/cable-assembly-with-doughnut-shaped-ferrite.jpg "Cable assembly with doughnut shaped ferrite")](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-incorporate-magnets-into-your-custom-overmolded-cable-design) Written by [Steven Goodman](https://blog.epectec.com/author/steven-j-goodman) Posted on April 13, 2022 at 9:06 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Magnetism is such a fascinating and important phenomenon that our world quite literally would not exist without it. Magnetic fields, electromotive force, and electromagnetism are wildly complex subjects while at the same time and at a high level, somewhat simple to understand. What is important is that these principles help electric motors run, earth’s magnetosphere shield civilization, and refrigerator magnets stick unless, of course, your appliances are stainless steel. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-incorporate-magnets-into-your-custom-overmolded-cable-design) --- ## [Custom Battery Packs: Developing and Production Test Fixtures](https://blog.epectec.com/custom-battery-packs-developing-and-production-test-fixtures) [![Custom Battery Pack Test Fixture](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/blog/custom-battery-pack-test-fixture.jpg "Custom Battery Pack Test Fixture")](https://blog.epectec.com/custom-battery-packs-developing-and-production-test-fixtures) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on March 30, 2022 at 9:48 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Developing a [custom battery pack](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) requires balancing electrical, mechanical, and chemical considerations while ensuring the final design performs reliably in its intended application. Beyond [selecting a cell chemistry](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-select-your-battery-pack-cell-type), engineers must understand how the battery pack will behave under different operating and environmental conditions, including its shelf life, [charge and discharge characteristics](https://blog.epectec.com/battery-charging-and-discharging-at-high-and-low-temperatures), thermal behavior, and potential safety risks. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/custom-battery-packs-developing-and-production-test-fixtures) --- ## [Flexible Epoxy Strain Reliefs in Rigid-Flex PCB Designs](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-epoxy-strain-reliefs-in-rigid-flex-pcb-designs) [![Flexible Epoxy Strain Reliefs in Flex and Rigid Flex Designs](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/flexible-epoxy-strain-reliefs-in-flex-and-rigid-flex-designs.jpg "Flexible Epoxy Strain Reliefs in Flex and Rigid Flex Designs")](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-epoxy-strain-reliefs-in-rigid-flex-pcb-designs) Written by [Paul Tome](https://blog.epectec.com/author/paul-tome) Posted on March 9, 2022 at 9:22 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Mechanical bend reliability is a critical element in a successful [flex or rigid-flex PCB](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) design. One area that can have a significant impact is the transition line(s) that occurs from a rigid area, in a rigid-flex circuit design, or from a stiffened area, in a flex circuit with stiffeners design, to the flex layer(s) only areas. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/flexible-epoxy-strain-reliefs-in-rigid-flex-pcb-designs) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design/page/6) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design/page/8) --- ### 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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