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The Digital Thread

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

Latest Posts

satellite in space
Supply Chain
13/03/2023

How to select the right production partner to get your parts into space

Selecting the right manufacturing partner is vital to ensure your project's success, but how can you be sure that you are making the right decision? We've listed three things you must consider when selecting your production partner.
By Protolabs
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3D printed rose dress for met gala
Industry Insight
13/03/2023

How Digital Manufacturing is more than Fad or Fashion

Digital manufacturing is fast; it provides excellent process transparency and design flexibility, but how exactly is that impacting the fashion industry daily? This blog takes a look at three trends built on the foundations of digital manufacturing.
By Protolabs
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sla part being finished

Secondary Services in a Race to Come First

When working in the Space industry, post-processing options are often the difference between a good idea and a successful project. Whilst most of your focus will be on primary production methods, this blog outlines how secondary services can greatly impact your final project.
By Protolabs
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aerospace part being taken out of delivery box
Tech Tips
13/02/2023

Production Methods for the new frontier

Driving innovation in any industry is difficult, but it’s particularly tricky in the space industry. Parts need to be reliable, withstand increasingly harsh conditions, function for extended periods without maintenance and remain lightweight yet tough enough to withstand the forces of launch and space travel. With these requirements in mind, it's important to select the right manufacturing method.
By Protolabs
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engineer in product design stage
Material Science
30/01/2023

Cutting edge materials for space

Material science constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible in product development, but what materials are making an impact in the space industry? We've compiled a list of cutting edge materials used for space applications to help you make the right decision for your project.
By Protolabs
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3D printed plastic prototypes: What’s Next?
Industry Spotlight
26/01/2023

3D printed plastic prototypes: What’s Next?

3D printing is often a great entry route to prototyping plastic parts mainly because it is a quick, flexible, and cost-effective process. But what happens once you are ready to move forward with your product development plan?
By Alex Edwards
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Protolabs Robotics Blog
Robotics
23/01/2023

The Rise of the Machines: Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Trends

In recent years there has been an increase in the utilisation of robots and AI, the pandemic has only propelled this. This blog touches on some of the current robotics and AI trends.
By Protolabs
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ultem for CNC machining
Materials Science
23/01/2023

Using High-Performance PEEK, PEI Plastics for Machining, Moulding

Consider cost, part performance when choosing PEEK or PEI (Ultem) Plastics for CNC machining or injection moulding your parts.
By Steve Konick
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Moving from 3D printing to Injection Moulpding Blog
3D Printing
17/01/2023

3D Printed Plastic: Prototypes: What's Next?

3D printing is often a great entry route to prototyping plastic parts mainly because it is a quick, flexible, and cost-effective process. But what happens next?
By Protolabs
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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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