JLCCNC Blog

Surface Finishing Processes

Electropolishing Explained: Process, Surface Finish, and Stainless Steel Applications

Key Takeaways Electropolishing is an electrochemical process that removes material from metal surfaces by anodic dissolution, preferentially attacking microscopic surface peaks to produce a smoother, brighter, and more corrosion-resistant surface. Stainless steel electropolishing is the most common industrial application, used in medical, pharmaceutical, food processing, and aerospace manufacturing. A properly controlled electropolishing process can often reduce Ra surface roughness by around 30-50% o......

Nov 05, 2026

CNC Programming

What is G Code and M Code: Differences, Uses & Examples

Key Takeaways G codes define tool motion and machining modes, while M codes control auxiliary functions such as spindle operation, coolant, and program stops. G codes are mostly modal (they stay active until changed), whereas M codes are a mix of modal and non-modal commands. The exact meaning of a code varies by controller and machine type, so you must verify against the machine's programming manual. Most production programs are generated by CAM software and then verified against the specific machine......

Oct 31, 2026

Design Tips & Best Practices

Parallelism in GD&T: Symbol, Tolerance & Measurement

Key Takeaways Parallelism is an orientation tolerance in GD&T that controls the orientation of a surface, axis, or derived median plane relative to a specified datum. It requires a datum reference. Unlike form tolerances such as flatness or circularity, parallelism cannot be evaluated without something to measure against. For surface parallelism, the tolerance zone consists of two parallel planes separated by the specified tolerance value. For axis parallelism, the zone may be cylindrical or defined b......

Oct 31, 2026

Surface Finishing Processes

Electroplating vs Anodizing: How to Choose

Key Takeaways Anodizing converts the aluminum surface into an oxide layer, while electroplating deposits a separate metal coating onto the substrate. Anodizing suits corrosion protection and hard surfaces on aluminum; electroplating adds conductive, solderable, or wear-resistant metallic finishes. Coating thickness, part geometry, and pretreatment (such as zincate on aluminum) drive both cost and adhesion. JLCCNC currently offers anodizing for aluminum parts but does not provide electroplating service......

Oct 31, 2026

CNC Programming

CNC G Code List: Functions and Common Uses

Key Takeaways G codes control CNC motion modes and machining functions, including rapid positioning, linear and circular interpolation, canned cycles, coordinate selection, and tool compensation. Feed rate values are typically specified with the F address, while G codes such as G94 and G95 select how the feed rate is interpreted. Modal G codes stay active once programmed until cancelled by another code in the same group. Non-modal G codes apply only to the block where they appear. Codes such as G00, G......

Oct 31, 2026

CNC Programming

CNC M Code List: Functions and Common Uses

Key Takeaways G codes define motion and machining modes, while M codes trigger auxiliary machine functions. Common M codes include M00/M01 for program stops, M03/M04/M05 for spindle control, and M08/M09 for coolant control. M-code assignments for functions such as chuck control, pallet changes, and live tooling vary by machine builder and model. Always verify machine-specific M codes against the target machine's programming manual before running a CNC program. An M code (miscellaneous code) is a CNC p......

Oct 29, 2026