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The Digital Thread

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

Latest Posts

Mould tool
Thought leadership
07/11/2018

Prototype to Production Series: Part 2

Once prototypes have been validated in terms of fit, form, function and aesthetics, development can move to low-volume production.
By Laura Reeves
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Computing power at Protolabs
Tech Tips
31/10/2018

Rapid Prototyping: There’s More Than One Way to Skin a CAD

There's more than one way to validate and test your design. This post examines the benefits of various prototypes and when each is most appropriate.
By Stephen Dyson
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Rapid prototyping at Protolabs
Thought Leadership
24/10/2018

Prototype to Production series: Part 1

What should you include in the early stages of the project development process?
By Stephen Dyson
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Cablewings
Case Study
17/10/2018

Tired of tangled cables? Problem solved...

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.
By Laura Reeves
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Rapid manufacturing at Protolabs
Thought Leadership
10/10/2018

5 ways to increase speed to market

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.
By Laura Reeves
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Protolabs IM machine centre
Tech Tips
03/10/2018

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

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.
By Laura Reeves
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CNC mill
Tech Tips
26/09/2018

6 Considerations for CNC Part Design

We take a look at the different CNC design considerations when designing parts for milling and turning processes which can accelerate production and reduce your costs.
By Saleem Shariff
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Protolabs ISO certified
Supply Chain
19/09/2018

Why Your Parts Supplier Should be ISO 9001 Certified

Protolabs' quality system starts when a customer uploads a part file and runs through the entire manufacturing process and into shipping.
By Stephen Dyson
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Meeting the Need for Speed
Thought Leadership
12/09/2018

Meeting the Need for Speed

Protolabs puts products where they’re needed. When they’re needed.
By Damian Hennessey
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CNC machines at Protolabs
Supply Chain
05/09/2018

Finding the right purchaser-supplier match

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?
By Laura Reeves
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Smart manufacturing
Thought Leadership
29/08/2018

How to choose the right manufacturing source

We take a look at the different types of manufacturing source and the pros and cons of working with each type.
By Damian Hennessey
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Industry 4.0: Automated Connectivity
Industry Insight
22/08/2018

Industry 4.0: Automated Connectivity

Industry 4.0 is considered the future. How can manufacturers unlock the opportunities it offers?
By Stephen Dyson
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