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The Digital Thread

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

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different colour jigs for manufacturing equipment
Tech Tips
28/03/2024

The Difference Between Jigs and Fixtures

Understand the differences between two terms often confused with one another—jigs and fixtures.
By Tony Holtz
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Sustainable mobility
Industry Spotlight
26/03/2024

The Route to Success: Critical Factors for Achieving Sustainable Mobility

Sustainable Mobility can be defined in many ways. Is it a concept for transforming how we transport from an ecological standpoint or Is it taking into account the accessibility of travel? In this blog, we explore key areas that play a crucial role in defining sustainable mobility.
By Protolabs
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shop floor machines
Supply Chain
14/03/2024

What is Lean Manufacturing? And What are the 5 Principles?

Lean Manufacturing (or Lean Production) has been around for years (since 1450 to be precise), but what is lean manufacturing and why is it important? Learn more
By Protolabs
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3D brain with purple background for Artificial Intelligence

ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and the Future of Design using AI and 3D Printing

Will your next designer be a computer? Explore how AI is making inroads in CAD modeling.
By Eric Utley
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agriculture drones
Industry Insight
07/01/2024

Digital Manufacturing: The Growing Appetite in Food and Agriculture

It's no secret that digital manufacturing is revolutionising the agriculture industry. In this blog, we explore the five root causes of the insatiable appetite for digital manufacturing adoption in agriculture to understand how is making such an impact.
By Protolabs
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Design process
Supply Chain
13/11/2023

How can design firms get the best from their manufacturing partnership?

As a design firm how do you choose a manufacturing partner? And how do you ensure you get the most out of that relationship? This blog post explores the answer.
By Protolabs
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Protolabs x IMechE Survey 2023
Thought leadership
06/09/2023

Protolabs x IMechE Survey 2023: Cost Pressures Hit Manufacturing's Sustainability Goal

As the price of raw materials and labour rises, our annual survey of the UK manufacturing industry in association with IMechE reveals a new focus on cost: both as a major concern for businesses, and as a potential bottleneck in their adoption of new technologies. In this blog, we explore the survey results in detail.
By Protolabs
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Protolabs x IMarEST Survey 2023
Thought leadership
01/09/2023

Protolabs x IMarEST Survey 2023: Turning Down the Heat

Decarbonisation is the main challenge facing the maritime industry, according to a new survey by the IMarEST and Protolabs – but new technologies offer reasons to be optimistic.
By Protolabs
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agriculture robots

Turning Over a New Leaf: Digital Manufacturing in Agriculture

In this blog, we explore ways digital manufacturing is helping the agriculture industry tackle new issues and age-old concerns that impact efficiency, sustainability, and the future of our food supply.
By Protolabs
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innovation in electric vehicles
Industry Insight
22/08/2023

Driving Towards a Sustainable Future: Exploring the Evolution, Challenges, and Potential of Electric Vehicles

This blog looks at the evolution of the electric car, the advantages and challenges and what lies ahead in the future.
By Protolabs
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Protolabs Blog
Tech Tips
22/05/2023

An Introduction to Design for Manufacture for Additive Manufacturing

We’re going to be posting a mix of our industry insights, technical tips and manufacturing advice every week – so make sure you keep an eye out for our updates.
By Protolabs
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Framing the Future: How Additive Manufacturing is impacting Film & Entertainment
Industry Insight
01/05/2023

Framing the Future: How Additive Manufacturing is impacting Film & Entertainment

The emergence of digital technology has made a profound impact on film making, and additive manufacturing is no exception to that trend. In this blog we dive a little deeper into how additive manufacturing is being put into action on the big screen.
By Protolabs
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