JLCCNC Blog

Sheet Metal Fabrication

Guide to Sheet Metal Screws and Different Screw Types

What Are Sheet Metal Screws? (iStock) A technician fastening self-tapping screws into an aluminum sheet in an industrial workshop. For thin-gauge assemblies where you can't fit a nut and bolt, sheet metal screws are a reliable way to achieve sufficient clamping force in thin-gauge sheet metal”. Because they're case-hardened, they form their own mating threads in the substrate. This creates a much tighter interface than a wood screw ever could, making them ideal for enclosures or housings that deal wit......

Dec 30, 2025

CNC Machining Fundamentals

CNC Thread Milling Explained: Process, Tools, Advantages, and Applications

Thread mill cutter machining precise internal threads inside a CNC machine. Thread milling is a CNC machining process used to cut internal and external threads with a rotating cutting tool following a helical path. Compared to tapping, it offers better chip control, higher accuracy, and greater flexibility in thread size and material, like titanium, stainless steel, and hardened steels. It supports custom thread sizes, blind holes without chip jams, and multi-start or oversized thread configurations. ......

Dec 28, 2025

CAD & CAM Software

A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Free CAM Software

In order to accommodate the various demands and tastes of people involved in CNC production, many kinds of CAM software proposals for CNC design have been introduced. Users may choose CAM software that fits their needs, be it a certain machining technique, industry specialization, or feature set, by investigating a variety of solutions. With this thorough approach, users are certain to be able to make well-informed judgments and identify the optimal CAM software solution for their CNC design requireme......

Apr 17, 2024

CNC Machining Fundamentals

What Is CNC Drilling? Process, Machines, and Hole-Making Explained

What Is CNC Drilling? CNC drilling machine positioned over a metal workpiece preparing to drill a precision hole Everything mechanical eventually comes back to one simple thing: holes. Holes for fasteners. Holes for alignment pins. Holes for airflow, wiring, fluid passage, or weight reduction. If a part gets connected to anything else, it needs holes, and they need to be in the right place, at the right size, every single time. In modern manufacturing, CNC drilling replaces manual layout and hand-fed ......

Dec 27, 2025

Surface Finishing Processes

How to choose between Laser marking and Silkscreen?

Choosing between laser marking and silkscreen printing for CNC machining service depends on various factors, including the specific requirements of your project. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision: (Left: Laser Marking/Right：Silkscreen) Material Compatibility: Laser Marking: Works well on a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and more. It provides high precision and is suitable for detailed markings. Silkscreen Printing: Suitable for flat or s......

Dec 29, 2023

Plastics for CNC

Frequently Used Plastic Material for CNC Machining

Computer-controlled machinery is used in CNC machining, a popular manufacturing process, to remove material from a workpiece. Plastic materials are attractive choices for CNC machining because of their adaptability, simplicity of processing, and variety of applications. Thermoplastic is the most popular kind of plastic used in CNC machining because it deteriorates relatively little even after repeated melting and shaping. Among their many positive attributes are strength, durability, chemical resistan......

Mar 25, 2024