blog header

The Digital Thread

Your blog feed for manufacturing resources, in-depth features, and industry news.

Latest Posts

CNC Programming
CNC machining
27/08/2026

What Is G Code? CNC Programming and How It Works

Learn what G code is, how CNC programming works, and how good part design improves machining.
By Protolabs
Read More
Injection Moulding Tool
Injection Moulding
25/08/2026

Soft vs. Hard Tooling: Injection Moulding Comparison Guide

Compare aluminium and steel injection moulds to choose the right tooling for your production volume, budget, and timeline
By Protolabs
Read More
CNC machining
CNC machining
20/08/2026

CNC Hole Design: Through, Blind, Tapped, and More

Learn to design CNC machining holes for accuracy, manufacturability, and cost-effective production.
By Protolabs
Read More
MJF vs. FDM 3D Printing
3d printing
22/06/2026

MJF vs. FDM 3D Printing

Compare MJF and industrial FDM to select the best additive manufacturing process for functional prototypes and production parts
By Protolabs
Read More
3D-Printed Medical Part
3D Printing
29/05/2026

3D Printing is Making Patient Anatomy Easier to Visualise

Discover how 3D printed anatomical models help healthcare teams visualise anatomy, improve training, and prepare for procedures.
By Protolabs
Read More
PolyJet 3D-Printed Part
3D Printing
26/05/2026

How 3D Printing Is Transforming Medical Tool and Equipment Production

How additive manufacturing helps create custom medical tools faster and more efficiently.
By Protolabs
Read More
part sample finished with electroless nickel plating
Finishing Options
26/05/2026

Advantages of Electroless Nickel Plating

How electroless nickel coatings improve corrosion resistance and wear performance.
By Protolabs
Read More
Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)
Materials Science
11/05/2026

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) for Injection Moulding

Thermoplastic elastomers come in a variety of formulations, and each is unique in its own way. That makes picking the right one an important task among many when you are designing your parts.
By Protolabs
Read More
3D Printing part
3D Printing
03/04/2026

3D Printing Design Optimisation: Strength vs. Aesthetics

How to design parts that perform under load while maintaining a refined, customer-ready finish.
By Protolabs
Read More
CNC surface finishing
post-processing
11/03/2026

Finishes That Prevent Rust in Metal Parts

Protective coatings and surface treatments that extend part life and improve corrosion resistance
By Protolabs
Read More
Drones
3D Printing
06/03/2026

Manufacturing Lightweight Drone Parts with Advanced MJF

With advanced Multi Jet Fusion technology, engineers can build lighter parts for drones.
By Protolabs
Read More
SLS jig and fixture
product life cycle
03/03/2026

MRO Manufacturing for On-demand Production Support

Fast, reliable MRO manufacturing to support maintenance, repair, and operations without long lead times
By Protolabs
Read More