JLCCNC Blog

CNC Machining Fundamentals

Sinker EDM: Process, Capabilities, and When to Use

Copper electrode during sinker EDM machining What Is Sinker EDM Sinker EDM is a non-contact machining process that uses a shaped electrode and controlled electrical discharges to erode material from electrically conductive workpieces, typically for deep cavities and complex internal geometries. Sinker EDM is also referred to as die sinking EDM, ram EDM, or plunge EDM. It is commonly used when CNC machining cannot reach or maintain complex internal geometries. Sinker EDM is just one of the core EDM met......

Apr 20, 2026

Plastics for CNC

What Is Bakelite? Properties, Manufacturing Process, and CNC Machining Guide

(AI generated) Vintage bakelite switch and modern machined bakelite Bakelite still appears in electrical systems, legacy equipment, and industrial fixtures where thermal stability and insulation matter more than mechanical toughness. In these environments, materials are not selected for flexibility or impact resistance, but for their ability to remain stable under heat, voltage, and long-term load. Unlike modern thermoplastics, Bakelite does not soften or deform once formed. That behavior affects not ......

Apr 18, 2026

Sheet Metal Fabrication

Anchor Fasteners for Sheet Metal: Best Types for Concrete and Industrial Use

What is an Anchor Fastener in Sheet Metal (AI generated) Technician securing a sheet metal enclosure Even the most precisely engineered sheet metal part is useless if it isn’t secured properly. In a real-world installation, parts don't exist in a vacuum. Enclosures have to be bolted to shop floors, brackets have to carry heavy piping, and panels have to withstand constant machine vibration. The stability of the entire assembly depends on how it is connected to the base material, usually concrete or ma......

Apr 18, 2026

CNC Machining Fundamentals

CNC Dovetail Workholding: How It Works, Design Rules, and When to Use It

CNC dovetail workholding is a fixturing method that holds parts using an angled dovetail feature machined into the workpiece. It enables full top-side access, reduces repositioning, and improves machining accuracy in multi-face operations. It is commonly used for small precision parts, prototypes, and complex geometries. CNC dovetail is used when standard clamping limits access and stability. It allows multiple faces to be machined in a single setup while maintaining stable constraints. This method is......

Apr 17, 2026

CNC Machining Fundamentals

What Is Profile Milling in CNC? Process, Methods, and Applications

Profile milling is a CNC machining process that cuts along a programmed contour to define the outer or inner edges of a part. It is commonly used for shaping boundaries, improving edge accuracy, and finishing part geometry in 2D or 2.5D machining. In practice, profile milling requires strong control over tool deflection, cutting forces, and workpiece stability. Any small deviation in toolpath or setup can affect dimensional accuracy and surface quality, especially on thin walls or long contour paths. ......

Apr 17, 2026

Metals for CNC

Steel Machining: CNC Strategies, Material Behavior, and Custom Steel Parts Guide

(AI generated) CNC-machined steel showing raw and finished surface. Steel machining is deceptively simple on a CAD/CAM screen. In the spindle, however, it is a constant calculation of heat soak and chip formation. Unlike softer alloys, steel has lower thermal conductivity than aluminum, causing heat to concentrate near the cutting zone. It doesn't allow for loose parameters. It responds to every pound of pressure, and that inherent resistance is exactly why we specify it for high-stress, load-bearing ......

Apr 16, 2026