The Digital Thread

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

Archive posts by Matt Hatch. Return to blog home.
CNC Milling

Protolabs adds high performance Aluminium 5083 to its rapid CNC service

Posted On 22 February 2022 By Matt Hatch
As the world’s leading digital manufacturer, we have added Aluminium 5083-H111 (3.3547 or AlMg4.5Mn0.7) to our range of over 40 stocked metal and plastic materials for our fast turnaround CNC service. The material is widely used in extreme environments with its high magnesium content making it highly resistant to saltwater and industrial chemicals.
 Vapour Smoothing

Vapour Smoothing

Posted On 10 January 2022 By Matt Hatch
Protolabs’ new post-process ‘vapour smoothing’ – a first for European digital manufacturing – has developed additive manufacturing further. It enables parts 3D printed from the commonly used material PA-12 and the elastic TPU-01 to be 3D printed with a smooth surface finish similar to that produced by injection moulding.
Putzbrunn Facility - Germany

A new era for 3D printing in Europe

Posted On 22 November 2021 By Matt Hatch
We are proud to officially open our new 3D printing centre of excellence in Putzbrunn near Munich. The centre is a world class facility that contains future-oriented technologies, highly skilled employees and a host of sustainable benefits.
Vapour Smoothed Part

How vapour smoothing takes the surface quality of 3D printed parts to the next level

Posted On 07 July 2021 By Matt Hatch
How vapour smoothing takes the surface quality of 3D printed parts to the next level
Welcome to Your All New Digital Manufacturing Platform

Welcome to Your All New Digital Manufacturing Platform

Posted On 02 November 2020 By Matt Hatch
When we launched more than 20 years ago, our digital manufacturing model was revolutionary. But it’s been necessary to continuously evolve ever since – by expanding our manufacturing services and enhancing our capabilities way beyond the original prototyping service. Many of the customers we serve have grown along with us, so expectation is being continuously elevated.
Our on-demand manufacturing (ODM) service, through our new quoting platform, delivers more options and greater flexibility

Our on-demand manufacturing (ODM) service, through our new quoting platform, delivers more options and greater flexibility

Posted On 02 November 2020 By Matt Hatch
Our brand new online quoting platform is not the only exciting launch from Protolabs recently. We are also now offering on-demand manufacturing (ODM) as well as prototyping. This means that we can now support you further through your product life-cycle journey.
CNC machining

New Big Block CNC Machined Parts in a day from Protolabs

Posted On 05 May 2020 By Matt Hatch
We’ve launched a big block rapid CNC machining service for aluminium 6082 parts. With a reliable shipping time as fast as 1 day from the initial CAD upload, we can now mill from blocks of up to 559mm x 356mm x 95mm.
Polypropylene Part

Polypropylene 3D printing - A new world of prototyping and product design

Posted On 07 October 2019 By Matt Hatch
3D printed parts can now be made in polypropylene, opening up a world of design and testing.
Automotive Report 2019

The Innovation Race

Posted On 01 October 2019 By Matt Hatch
Protolabs Auotomotive Report 2019 talking to some of the most influential people in the European automotive industry.
50th anniversary of moon landing

A 'Cool Idea' That's Beyond The Moon

Posted On 17 July 2019 By Matt Hatch
Exactly 50 years ago this month, all eyes were set on the moon as Neil Armstrong took that momentous small step. But these days humans dream of walking and even living on Mars.