The Digital Thread

Here we take a brief look at selective laser sintering advantages and disadvantages to see if it could be the right choice for you.

Making nylon parts stronger isn’t difficult. All it takes is the addition of glass to your base material. Explore the pros and cons of glass-filled nylon.

Learn about the various types of 3D printing technologies available for rapid prototyping and production parts and how to choose the best one for you.

Compare anodising vs. powder coating. Learn how each process works, performance differences, material compatibility, and which finish suits your application best.

Learn how heat sinks work for thermal management, and how to choose between aluminium, copper, graphite, and composites. Includes manufacturing tips and design guidance.

Learn what steel is made of, how carbon affects properties, and which grades suit your needs. Compare steel types, heat treatments, and finishes.

Discover mild steel properties, applications, and manufacturing benefits. Learn when to choose mild steel for your CNC machining projects with expert insights from Protolabs.

A look at the key differences between Multi Jet Fusion and selective laser sintering and how to determine the optimal process for your application.

See where injection moulding shines across industries, with examples, design tips, and scaling strategies.

Ductility is the ability for a material to deform without breaking. Learn why it matters in manufacturing, how it's tested, and where it's applied.

Discover what epoxy is, its key properties, manufacturing applications, and how Protolabs uses epoxy-based materials in 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection moulding.

Discover the essential materials for robotics engineering. From lightweight aluminium to advanced polymers, learn how material choice drives robot performance and innovation.