The Digital Thread

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

Archive posts by Laura Reeves. Return to blog home.
Protolabs blog | Array Deadbolt

New Year, New Tech

Posted On 02 January 2019 By Laura Reeves
As we dip our toe into the New Year, we thought it’d be fun to take a look at some of the latest and innovative tech ideas that we think will trend in 2019. Because what better way is there to get over January blues, than buying new gadgets?
Protolabs casestudy | Sumatran Rhino

Digitising the Sumatran Rhino

Posted On 27 December 2018 By Laura Reeves
With new advances in 3D imaging and printing technologies, Yxlon were able to replicate a rare species of rhino... With a bit of help from Protolabs' 3D printing service.
Protolabs blog | Cardboard marble maze

STEM Inspired Holiday Activities for Young Engineers

Posted On 12 December 2018 By Laura Reeves
With the holidays fast approaching, here are a few ideas to keep aspiring engineers entertained.
Japet exoskeleton

Innovative medical device combats lumbar pain

Posted On 28 November 2018 By Laura Reeves
Japet Medical Devices is a French start-up specialising in medical robotics, created in 2016 by Antoine Noël and Damien Bratic who had both recently qualified from Centrale Lille University. The company, based in Lille’s Eurasanté park, is preparing to launch Atlas, the first functional rehabilitation exoskeleton designed to relieve lumbar pain.
Mould tool

Prototype to Production Series: Part 2

Posted On 07 November 2018 By Laura Reeves
Once prototypes have been validated in terms of fit, form, function and aesthetics, development can move to low-volume production.
Cablewings

Tired of tangled cables? Problem solved...

Posted On 17 October 2018 By Laura Reeves
Vladislav Svetashkov grew tired of the constant tangling of cables marring the fun of using high quality tech products. The wild cables just didn’t quite fit with what are otherwise very stylish components.
Rapid manufacturing at Protolabs

5 ways to increase speed to market

Posted On 10 October 2018 By Laura Reeves
In a 21st century market place, every company should be striving to get its products to market faster to maintain its competitive edge. After all, it doesn’t matter how good its innovative, ground breaking products are, competitors are out there snapping at the heels. Sure, Rome wasn’t built in a day. But in the 21st century, it could probably be done a lot quicker.
Protolabs IM machine centre

Designing with Confidence: 8 ways to leverage low volume injection moulding

Posted On 03 October 2018 By Laura Reeves
Using aluminium tooling you can bridge that production gap and make sure that your design is spot on before committing to mass production. It still pays to get the design right so here are our top tips.
CNC machines at Protolabs

Finding the right purchaser-supplier match

Posted On 05 September 2018 By Laura Reeves
While you’re searching for the perfect supplier-purchaser match, you’ll need the answers to several key questions… so what questions should you ask?
Protolabs' 3D Printed FUTURO House

The Futuro House... in Space

Posted On 10 August 2018 By Laura Reeves
Protolabs send a 3D Printed replcia of Matti Suuronen's Futuro house into the stratosphere