JLCCNC Blog

CNC Machining Fundamentals

Form Milling: Process, Cutters, Types, Benefits, and Applications

Key Takeaways • Form milling uses a profile-specific cutter to machine complex contours in a direct profile transfer. • Form milling cutters directly transfer their geometry onto the workpiece, improving repeatability. • Common types of form milling cutters include concave, convex, corner rounding, and gear cutters. • The form milling process is highly efficient for repeated profiles in high-volume production. • Carbide form milling cutters provide better wear resistance and profile stability than HSS......

May 08, 2026

CNC Machining Fundamentals

Shoulder Milling in CNC Machining: Tools, Accuracy, and Cutting Strategy

Key Takeaways About Shoulder Milling Shoulder milling is used to create stepped faces where a vertical wall meets a flat surface in prismatic parts such as pockets, seats, and structural transitions. The cutter side forms the wall while the bottom edge forms the floor, so any change in cutting load directly affects wall position and surface condition. Deeper cuts increase tool bending, which can shift the wall in steel and other hard materials, so depth must be controlled in stages. Cutter choice affe......

Apr 30, 2026

Surface Finishing Processes

Black Anodizing Aluminum: Process, Tolerance, and Applications in CNC Machining

What Is Black Anodizing In simple words, black anodizing refers to an electrochemical aluminum surface treatment that provides CNC-machined parts with a dark, wear-resistant oxide layer. This is accomplished by forming a controlled oxide layer, adding dye, and sealing the surface. Black anodized CNC aluminum parts on workshop bench How Black Anodizing Works After machining, the aluminum part enters an acid electrolyte bath and acts as the anode, forming an oxide layer from the base metal itself. The l......

Apr 30, 2026

CNC Machining Fundamentals

EDM Hole Drilling: Process, Capabilities, Applications, and Limitations

Key Takeaways About EDM Drilling EDM drilling is a non-contact machining process that removes material through controlled electrical discharge. It is used when conventional machining is difficult in hard or heat-treated conductive materials such as tool steel, hardened steel, titanium, and carbide. It is suitable for deep, small-diameter holes where tool breakage and wear become critical issues. It is commonly used in molds, turbine components, and precision cooling or start hole applications. EDM hol......

Apr 29, 2026

Industry Use Cases

CNC Machining for Robotics: Custom Robot Parts, Design, and Manufacturing Guide

CNC machining for robotics refers to the use of precision CNC manufacturing to produce critical robotic components such as joints, frames, and motion interfaces. These machined parts for robotics are designed to maintain tight tolerances, structural stability, and repeatable motion under load. In CNC manufacturing robotics, machining quality directly affects positioning accuracy, system stiffness, and long-term performance. (AI generated) CNC machined robot joint components You probably interact with ......

Apr 29, 2026

CNC Machining Fundamentals

CNC Knurling Guide: Types, Patterns, and Design Tips

Key Takeaways About CNC Knurling A CNC knurling feature is used where friction or retention is required. Typical use cases include hand grips, thumb screws, and press fit interfaces. Pattern choice is not arbitrary. The main types of knurling are straight, diamond, and helical. Among standard knurling patterns, diamond is preferred for general grip since it works in multiple directions. Straight patterns are used when movement is mostly axial. Knurling changes size. The resulting knurling texture push......

Apr 28, 2026