JLCCNC Blog

Sheet Metal Fabrication

Metal Laser Cutting: How It Works, Types, and Materials

Key Takeaways Fiber lasers are widely used for industrial metal cutting because of their efficiency and ability to process reflective metals. Metal laser cutting uses a focused beam and assist gas to produce precise profiles without profile-specific punches or dies. Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and titanium, with different process requirements for each. Cutting quality depends on material, thickness, laser power, speed, focus, assist gas, and machine......

Sep 10, 2026

Surface Finishing Processes

Laser Etching: Complete Technical Guide to Process, Materials, and Industrial Applications

Laser etching is widely used in manufacturing, product design, and industrial marking. However, it is often confused with laser engraving and laser marking, which can lead to incorrect process selection. This guide explains its core principles, process, materials, and industrial applications in a structured way. What Is Laser Etching? Engineering Definition of Laser Etching At its core, laser etching is a process that uses a focused laser beam to alter the surface of a material permanently. Unlike pro......

Sep 10, 2026

Material Selection Guide

Composite Material Guide: Types, Manufacturing Processes, Applications & Selection

Composite materials are now widely used in aerospace and automotive structures because they combine high strength with relatively low weight. Unlike traditional metals, composite materials can be engineered by combining different reinforcement and matrix materials to achieve specific mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties. As manufacturing technologies have matured, composites have become practical for both high-performance and commercial products. In this guide, I'll break down everything you ne......

Sep 10, 2026

CAD & CAM Software

Computer Aided Design: How CAD Works, Types, and Uses

Key Takeaways Computer aided design (CAD) uses software to create, modify, analyze, and document 2D and 3D designs. 2D CAD is mainly used for drafting and documentation, while 3D CAD supports solid modeling, assemblies, simulation, and manufacturing workflows. Parametric and direct modeling offer different approaches to creating and modifying CAD geometry. Common CAD file formats include STEP and IGES for 3D geometry exchange, DWG and DXF for 2D drawings, and STL for 3D printing. In CNC machining, CAD......

Sep 10, 2026

Sheet Metal Fabrication

Ultrasonic Welding Guide: How It Works, Materials, Applications, and Benefits

Key Takeaways - Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency mechanical vibrations to create solid-state welds without melting materials - It works exceptionally well for thermoplastics and many metals, especially dissimilar combinations - The process is fast, clean, and requires no additional adhesives or fillers - Different applications require specific frequency and power configurations - Initial equipment costs are higher, but operating costs are typically lower than alternative methods Introduction Ult......

Sep 10, 2026

Design Tips & Best Practices

Concentricity in GD&T: Definition, Symbol, Tolerance, and Measurement

Key Takeaways Concentricity in legacy ASME GD&T controls the derived median points of a feature relative to a datum axis. It does not simply compare the axes of two fitted cylinders. Check the drawing standard first. Legacy ASME concentricity and ISO concentricity or coaxiality should not be interpreted as equivalent requirements. For the cylindrical example in this guide, the tolerance zone is a cylinder centered on the datum axis. The derived median points of the controlled feature must lie within t......

Sep 10, 2026