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The Digital Thread

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

Latest Posts

satellite being developed by engineers
Industry Trends
16/01/2023

Manufacturing’s role in the new space race

With analysts predicting a market value of $1 trillion by 2040, the space industry is thriving. But what are the key trends that need to be on your radar?
By Protolabs
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engineer working on satellite design file
Industry Insight
11/01/2023

The Next Frontier: Space and Digital Manufacturing

As the Space sector continues to innovate and develop, adoption of digital manufacturing technologies to support speed, repeatability, and consistency are key to the future success of the industry. In this panel discussion, three of our in-house experts answer your questions on key materials, options for meeting critical quality standards, the future technologies of the industry, and more.
By Protolabs
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direct metal laser sintered metal braket for automotive use
Material Science
09/01/2023

Aluminium Alloys: Go-to Materials for Automotive, Aerospace, and More

Aluminium is a common and popular metal that’s found everywhere and used in a stunningly wide range of parts and products: automotive parts, aerospace components, boat and marine gear, consumer electronics including smart phones, industrial machinery parts, HVAC systems, the list goes on. In this blog we look at why aluminium is so commonly used, why there are so many aluminium alloys, and take a brief glimpse at the main alloys we use at Protolabs.
By Protolabs
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Man writing on clear surface

Accelerating Hardware Prototyping for Startups and Small Companies

Doing the right things in the prototyping phase is a bit more complex than it looks at first glance. Hardware requires special rules to get the results you need.
By Protolabs
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manufacturing shop floor
Industry Trends
14/11/2022

Crisis, what crisis? Four years that shaped Manufacturing Change

In this blog we look back on the last four years of manufacturing - the challenges that were overcome, and how this has prepared the sector to meet new challenges head on in the future. Results are reflective of the yearly manufacturing survey sent out to the community in partnership with IMechE.
By Protolabs
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Protolabs Blog
Industry Trends
01/11/2022

Start-up Business Trends - Are you a Zebra?

What’s hot at the moment if you are a start-up business? What's important is what your solution is.
By Protolabs
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Protolabs manufacturing warehouse
Supply Chain
01/11/2022

Manufacturing Start-ups - Effective Partnerships

Forming the right partnerships in the early days could make the difference between success and failure.  This blog explores where you can go for help from the early stages of your business through to manufacturing.
By Protolabs
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Manufacturing Capacity for Start-ups
Industry Spotlight
01/11/2022

From start-up to manufacturing scale-up

This blog explores what you need to consider before you invest in equipment and machinery.
By Protolabs
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Protolabs Manufacturing Blog
Industry Spotlight
01/11/2022

Digital Manufacturing Innovation – where disruption becomes reality.

In this blog we look at where digital manufacturing is going and what it could mean for your business.
By Protolabs
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HP PA 11 Camera Lens
Material Science
11/10/2022

Protolabs Switches Additive Manufacturing for PA11 Black to MultiJet Fusion for Better Results

Protolabs Switches Additive Manufacturing for PA11 Black to MultiJet Fusion for Better Results
By Protolabs
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This plastic moulded enclosure is actually an assembly of multiple parts
Tech Tips
03/10/2022

Selecting a Manufacturing Method for Electronic Enclosures

Despite their widely varying applications, many electronic devices have at least one thing in common—the circuit boards and other components that make them work are all in an enclosure.
By Protolabs
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Protolabs Blog
start-up
01/10/2022

Manufacturing Start-ups - Navigating Common Pitfalls

This blog explores how you can minimise the risks for a manufacturing start-up.
By Protolabs
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