JLCCNC Blog

Surface Finishing Processes

Powder Coating vs Anodizing: Differences, Cost, and How to Choose

Powder coating vs anodizing refers to two different surface finishing processes for metal parts. The main difference between powder coating and anodizing is that powder coating adds a protective layer on top of the surface, while anodizing converts the aluminum surface into a hard oxide layer with minimal dimensional change. Typically, the choice comes down to: How the part is used The required tolerance How the surface should behave after CNC machining Powder coating uses coloured powders that can be......

Apr 02, 2026

Sheet Metal Fabrication

Sheet Metal Deburring: Methods, Tools & How to Deburr Metal and Aluminum

(AI generated) Sheet metal production workflow In this guide, we’ll cover: - What sheet metal deburring is and why it matters - Common burr formation mechanisms - Deburring methods and their trade-offs - How to deburr different metals effectively - Design tips to reduce burr formation Sheet Metal Deburring Methods (Quick Comparison) Method Best For Speed Notes Manual Small jobs Slow Precise, low cost Abrasive Belt Flat sheets Fast Uniform finish Brush Light burrs Fast Good for deburring aluminum Vibra......

Apr 02, 2026

Industry Use Cases

CNC Enclosure Design for Machining: Cost, Materials, and Production Considerations

What Is a CNC Machined Enclosure (AI generated) CNC-machined aluminum enclosure with internal cavities A CNC machined enclosure is a housing manufactured by removing material from a solid block using milling or turning operations. The process creates accurate internal cavities, threaded features, and sealing surfaces. Engineers use CNC machining when the enclosure must hold electronics, sensors, or mechanical assemblies with tight alignment requirements. Typical examples include control modules, instr......

Mar 27, 2026

Surface Finishing Processes

Anodized Aluminum Colors: Options, Limits, and Real-World Results

Most people treat anodized color like a simple surface finish option in machining, but it doesn’t work that way in real jobs. It’s not merely about choosing a color from a chart and getting the same result every time. In practice, the final color depends on the: Base material Surface preparation Process conditions during anodizing At JLCCNC, we’ve seen the same color callout look slightly different between batches, even when nothing obvious has changed. Small shifts in alloy, oxide thickness, and dye ......

Mar 26, 2026

Sheet Metal Fabrication

MIG vs TIG Welding: Complete Guide to Differences, Strength & Applications

(AI generated) Welder performing MIG welding on steel parts in a professional fabrication shop Welding shops often choose between two processes: MIG and TIG. Both join metals using an electric arc, but the way they deliver filler metal, control heat, and handle different materials varies quite a bit. The main difference between MIG and TIG welding is that MIG uses a continuously fed wire electrode for faster welding, while TIG uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode for greater precision and cleaner ......

Mar 26, 2026

Surface Finishing Processes

Brushed Finish on Metal Parts: Process, Materials, and Applications

(iStock) Brushed metal panels with linear surface finish. Brushed metal finishes appear across modern products, such as laptop housings, control panels, and CNC-machined enclosures. The surface looks matte with fine directional lines instead of a mirror polish. Manufacturers apply this finish by mechanically abrading the surface with belts or brushes. The process creates a consistent unidirectional texture that reduces glare while keeping the metal surface durable. In machining workflows, brushing usu......

Mar 25, 2026