The Digital Thread

Digital manufacturing and other smart technologies promise to transform the maritime sector, but new expertise and skilled personnel are needed first, found a survey by the IMarEST and Protolabs

The Aerospace industry in no stranger to innovation, but with challenges of the pandemic and ongoing needs to address carbon emissions it has been left with some difficult challenges. Reflecting on a Protolabs research project two years ago, how is the industry shaping up now?

Safety is the overriding concern in aerospace and space technology - countless test cycles, inspection procedures and certificates are behind every single part of the jigsaw. Although safety requirements are non-negotiable, they come at a cost – they slow down the speed of the product development cycle.

Once prototypes have been validated in terms of fit, form, function and aesthetics, development can move to low-volume production.

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 puts products where they’re needed. When they’re needed.

We take a look at the different types of manufacturing source and the pros and cons of working with each type.

3D printing and CNC machining - do they compete with or complement each other?

How thorough planning and preparation reduces the risk of failing to hit verification deadlines.