When designing sheet metal parts, cutting method matters more than many people realize.

Here's a quick comparison:

Laser Cutting

• High precision and clean edges
• Great for complex contours
• Flexible for low-volume production
• Slower for repeated simple hole patterns

CNC Punching

• Extremely efficient for repetitive holes
• Faster for high-volume flat parts
• Limited by tool shapes
• May leave slight deformation around holes

Laser is often chosen for flexibility and complex geometry.
Punching shines when speed and repeatability matter.

But the real choice usually depends on part design and batch size.

💬 Discussion:
For your projects, which process do you usually prefer?
Have you ever redesigned a part just to better suit a specific cutting method?

Quick tip for everyone designing their first Flexible Heater:

When you're laying out your heating traces, avoid 90° sharp corners! Always go for Smooth Curves or Rounded Arches.

Why? Two simple reasons:

1. Uniform Heat: Sharp corners create "Hot Spots." Current tends to crowd at the inner corner, which can cause local overheating and even burn through the insulation!
2. Stress Relief: Since these heaters are flexible, sharp angles are where mechanical stress concentrates. A rounded trace distributes the tension, preventing cracks when you bend it.

Pro Tip: Our JLCPCB Flexible Heater Routing Tool makes this easy! Use the Arc/Curve functions to keep your heat flowing smoothly and your heater living longer.

💡 Quick Question: Have you ever had a circuit fail because of a sharp bend? Share your "oops" moments below! 👇

When designing enclosures or brackets, there are often two approaches:

• Add PEM nuts / inserts
• Use bent tabs and slots
• Design interlocking features
• Combine welding + hardware

Each method affects strength, assembly time, and cost differently.

Self-clinching hardware increases durability but adds process steps.
Formed features reduce components but require precise bending control.

💬 Discussion:
In your projects, do you prefer adding hardware or designing more formed features?
What's been more reliable in your experience?

In sheet metal design, bends look simple in CAD — but real materials behave differently.

Things that often cause issues:

• Ignoring springback differences between aluminum and steel
• Designing bend radii smaller than material allows
• Placing holes too close to bend lines
• Not accounting for K-factor variation

A design that looks perfect on screen can shift slightly after forming.

💬 Discussion:
How do you usually handle bend allowance and springback in your designs?
Do you rely on standard K-factors, or adjust based on experience?

When you hear "Heater," you probably think of bulky industrial ovens or home radiators. But did you know that Flexible Heaters are likely sitting in your pocket, your car, or on your desk right now?

Because they are as thin as a sticker and can bend around any surface, they are the "hidden heroes" of modern electronics. Here are 3 common places you’ll find them:

1. Your Car’s Side Mirrors 🚗

Ever wonder how your side mirrors clear up so fast on a rainy or snowy morning? Behind the glass sits a custom-shaped Polyimide (PI) heater. It warms the mirror surface just enough to evaporate moisture and melt ice, ensuring you stay safe on the road.

2. Outdoor Security Cameras 📹

How do cameras keep working in sub-zero winters without the lens freezing over? Small, flexible heating rings are wrapped around the internal lens assembly to prevent condensation and keep the electronics at an optimal operating temperature.

3. Handheld Thermal Printers 🏷️

Those portable label makers or receipt printers use flexible heaters to maintain a consistent temperature for the print head. This ensures that the heat-sensitive paper reacts perfectly, giving you crisp, clear text every time.

We are pleased to announce the release of the Flexible Heater Routing Tool!

You can access the tool via the following link:

This tool enables you to independently verify whether your design meets the required specifications and is manufacturable, eliminating the need to wait until after order submission for validation. By using this tool, you can save valuable time and streamline your design process.

We encourage you to explore the tool and experience its benefits firsthand.

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Hello, I was wondering if you are able to do BGA with pitch 0.35 mm? I read that the minimum pad diameter is 0.25 mm, which leaves 0.1 mm between the individual pads. Is this still doable or too small?

At JLCPCB, we receive thousands of stencil orders every day, and we know that getting that perfect solder paste deposit can sometimes feel like more of an art. From calculating the right area ratio to choosing the best finish, there is a lot to consider before hitting that "Order" button.

We want to hear from YOU—the makers, engineers, and hobbyists who are in the trenches of SMT assembly.

What are the most common challenges you face when designing or ordering stencils? Drop your questions or tell us about a "stencil fail" you've encountered below!

Our engineering team will do our best to provide tips, technical advice, and solutions to help you get professional-grade results on your next build.

Let's turn those assembly headaches into seamless projects! 👇