--- title: Epec's Blog | Quality Solutions (2) description: Quality Solutions | A manufacturing blog focusing on posts about customized product solutions that are beneficial to engineers or anyone in the electronics industry. (2) --- [![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 --- ## [What Are RoHS and REACH and What Do They Mean?](https://blog.epectec.com/what-are-rohs-and-reach-and-what-do-they-mean) [![Rohs logo](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/rohs-logo.jpg "Rohs logo")](https://blog.epectec.com/what-are-rohs-and-reach-and-what-do-they-mean) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on May 28, 2019 at 10:31 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Working in the manufacturing industry, you’ve probably noticed the letters RoHS or REACH on various documentation or even browsing our website. But, have you ever wondered what these letters stand for or what the certification that comes with them entails? [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/what-are-rohs-and-reach-and-what-do-they-mean) --- ## [Root Cause Analysis Through the Five Why Method – Part 2](https://blog.epectec.com/root-cause-analysis-through-the-five-why-method-part-2) [![Using the five why approach](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/using-the-five-why-approach.jpg "Using the five why approach")](https://blog.epectec.com/root-cause-analysis-through-the-five-why-method-part-2) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on May 14, 2019 at 11:52 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [In my last blog post](https://blog.epectec.com/root-cause-analysis-through-the-five-why-method-part-1), I reviewed the 5 why problem-solving method. In this blog post, we will continue this discussion so if you have not seen Part 1, I suggest you read that post first and then come back here. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/root-cause-analysis-through-the-five-why-method-part-2) --- ## [Root Cause Analysis Through the Five Why Method - Part 1](https://blog.epectec.com/root-cause-analysis-through-the-five-why-method-part-1) [![finding-the-root-cause-of-a-problem](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/finding-the-root-cause-of-a-problem.jpg "finding-the-root-cause-of-a-problem")](https://blog.epectec.com/root-cause-analysis-through-the-five-why-method-part-1) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on April 10, 2019 at 10:42 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In my last blog post, [Five Why Root Cause Analysis Starts with a Good Problem Statement](https://blog.epectec.com/5-why-root-cause-analysis-starts-with-a-problem-statement), I recommended that problem-solving teams develop well-crafted problem statements. This blog post will discuss the best practices for the five why method of root cause analysis. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/root-cause-analysis-through-the-five-why-method-part-1) --- ## [ENEPIG Benefits for Gold Wire Bonding](https://blog.epectec.com/enepig-benefits-for-gold-wire-bonding) [![Magnification of PCB Showing Black Pad](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/pcb-showing-black-pad-under-microscope.jpg "Magnification of PCB Showing Black Pad")](https://blog.epectec.com/enepig-benefits-for-gold-wire-bonding) Written by [Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Posted on November 27, 2018 at 9:15 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ENEPIG (Electroless Nickel, Immersion Palladium, Immersion Gold) was derived out of the need to combat the challenge with the immersion gold process and [Black Pad Syndrome](https://blog.epectec.com/urban-legends-of-pcb-processes-enig-black-pad). Black Pad (the hyper corrosion of underlying nickel) was baffling both PCB assemblers and manufacturers. After much analysis, the root cause was determined to be the nickel deposit. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/enepig-benefits-for-gold-wire-bonding) --- ## [Printed Circuit Board Solderability Issues](https://blog.epectec.com/printed-circuit-board-solderability-issues) [![HASL De-Wetting on Improperly Packaged PCBs](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/hasl-de-wetting-on-improperly-packaged-pcbs.jpg "HASL De-Wetting on Improperly Packaged PCBs")](https://blog.epectec.com/printed-circuit-board-solderability-issues) Written by [Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Posted on August 14, 2018 at 10:29 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Solving solderability issues for printed circuit boards (PCBs) can be a real hassle. Nothing is more frustrating than having lined up all your materials for an assembly, only to start running the package through reflow and discover that the [solder paste is wetting poorly to the pads](http://www.epectec.com/pcb/wave-soldering-defects/poor-lead-solderability-and-wetting.html). Immediately, the profile is checked to confirm proper parameters. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/printed-circuit-board-solderability-issues) --- ## [What are Non-Conformances and How do PCB Manufacturers Fix Them?](https://blog.epectec.com/what-are-non-conformances-and-how-do-pcb-manufacturers-fix-them) [![Non-conformances in PCB Manufacturing](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/non-conformances-in-pcb-manufacturing.jpg "Non-conformances in PCB Manufacturing")](https://blog.epectec.com/what-are-non-conformances-and-how-do-pcb-manufacturers-fix-them) Written by [Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Posted on August 3, 2018 at 12:37 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) For customers and suppliers along the PCB manufacturing process, non-conformances will, unfortunately, happen from time to time. A non-conformance consists of receiving an order for printed circuit boards that do not meet your specifications or industry (IPC) standards. While dealing with these issues is obviously essential, the solution is sometimes not obvious and can put on-time delivery to your customer at risk. It is imperative that your circuit board supplier can deliver conforming product as soon as possible, which means having the procedures to get there. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/what-are-non-conformances-and-how-do-pcb-manufacturers-fix-them) --- ## [Why Is A Supplier Quality Manual Still Needed?](https://blog.epectec.com/why-is-a-supplier-quality-manual-still-needed) [![Epec Quality Manual](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/epec-quality-manual.jpg "Epec Quality Manual")](https://blog.epectec.com/why-is-a-supplier-quality-manual-still-needed) Written by [Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Posted on June 26, 2018 at 9:02 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) With the [introduction of ISO 9001:2015](https://www.iso.org/standard/62085.html), which specifies requirements for quality management systems, the statement “quality management system documentation shall include a quality manual” no longer need apply. Many celebrated this as a reprieve from previously having to fully document their quality management system. However, eliminating the supplier quality manual altogether could be a dangerous takeaway on the new standard’s intention. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/why-is-a-supplier-quality-manual-still-needed) --- ## [5 Whys Root Cause Analysis Starts with a Problem Statement](https://blog.epectec.com/5-why-root-cause-analysis-starts-with-a-problem-statement) [![5 Why Root Cause Analysis](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/five-why-root-cause-analysis.jpg "5 Why Root Cause Analysis")](https://blog.epectec.com/5-why-root-cause-analysis-starts-with-a-problem-statement) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on April 24, 2018 at 9:22 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Root cause analysis is a technique performed to identify the underlying reasons why a particular problem is occurring. At Epec, we do a lot of [problem solving](https://blog.epectec.com/pcb-design-for-manufacturability-analysis-beyond-drc). As manufacturers, we strive to discover better, more efficient ways to delight our customers. Whether we are working on an 8D CAPA or running an A3 Project, we are often working to determine the foundational cause of issues as the means to solving the problem. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/5-why-root-cause-analysis-starts-with-a-problem-statement) --- ## [Urban Legends of PCB Processes: ENIG Black Pad](https://blog.epectec.com/urban-legends-of-pcb-processes-enig-black-pad) [![Black Pad Quality Issue on Immersion Gold PCB](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/black-pad-quality-issue-on-immersion-gold-pcb.jpg "Black Pad Quality Issue on Immersion Gold PCB")](https://blog.epectec.com/urban-legends-of-pcb-processes-enig-black-pad) Written by [Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Posted on January 19, 2018 at 2:37 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) I can remember the first ‘incident’ of black pad, years ago, when Epec started to use the electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) process. We didn’t notice the issue at the time, as it is not evident on the bare board, but received the complaint from assembly as it was later identified on completed assemblies. [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/urban-legends-of-pcb-processes-enig-black-pad) --- ## [Stop Sending Supplier Surveys](https://blog.epectec.com/stop-sending-supplier-surveys) [![sending supplier surveys](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/sending-supplier-surveys.jpg "sending supplier surveys")](https://blog.epectec.com/stop-sending-supplier-surveys) Written by [Epec Engineered Technologies](https://blog.epectec.com/author/epec-engineered-technologies) Posted on August 16, 2017 at 3:50 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Within industries like electronics manufacturing, suppler self-surveys are very popular. At any given moment here at Epec, we are processing five or so supplier surveys. We send them out ourselves. I have dealt with supplier surveys, one way or another, for the last twenty something years. But, what purpose do they serve, and more importantly, what value do they provide to your organization? [Read More](https://blog.epectec.com/stop-sending-supplier-surveys) [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/quality-solutions/page/1) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/quality-solutions/page/3) --- ### 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? 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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. 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