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The Digital Thread

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

Latest Posts

Clear ABS resin pellets
Materials Science
13/06/2024

ABS vs. PC: Comparing Two Common Thermoplastics

Choosing to use ABS, polycarbonate (PC), or combining them is a popular way to get strong machined, printed, or moulded parts. There are a lot of similarities, but also some significant differences that might help you find just the right one for your parts.
By Protolabs
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aerospace in flight
Thought leadership
11/06/2024

Aerospace Manufacturing in 2024

In 2024, a joint survey from the Royal Aeronautical Society and Protolabs, revisited a 2023 questionnaire on the top concerns and issues for those in aerospace manufacturing. One year on, what were the fresh findings of this updated industry snapshot?
By Protolabs
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HDPE resin pellets closeup
Materials Science
06/06/2024

Translucent and Clear Plastic Injection-Moulded Parts

Choosing the best translucent material for your moulded parts isn’t always crystal clear. There are quite a few things to think about before making your final choice of materials and design.
By Protolabs
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Nylon vs Delrin for Manufacturing
Materials Science
30/05/2024

Nylon vs. Delrin: Strong, Durable Materials Ideal for High-Wear Applications

These hard, versatile materials are perfect for use in projects that require high resistance to wear, abrasion, and chemicals.
By Protolabs
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Tennis racket with blue background
3D Printing
29/05/2024

A 3D-Printed Tennis Racket Merges Art with Athletics

Partnership between Protolabs and All Design Lab brings metal 3D-printed tennis racket to life
By Protolabs
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scientific moulding
Tech Tips
23/05/2024

How to Design a Part to Ensure a High-Quality Product

Every product designer and engineer dreams of creating parts that are free from defects first time round. In this blog, you'll learn how. Find out more
By Protolabs
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Quality Inspection
Tech Tips
16/05/2024

How to Manufacture Parts with Manufacturing Variations

As with any industry, no matter how meticulous a processes is, it can still be subject to variations, and manufacturing is no different. Learn more.
By Protolabs
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Black and green injection moulded parts
Materials Science
09/05/2024

ABS vs. Polypropylene (PP): Deciding Between Two Popular Plastics

ABS and polypropylene (PP) are strong contenders for many projects, but what are the differences?
By Protolabs
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A pile of white Nylon Resin pellets
Materials Science
02/05/2024

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Glass-Filled Nylon

Making nylon parts stronger isn’t difficult. All it takes is the addition of glass to your base material. Explore the pros and cons of glass-filled nylon.
By Protolabs
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design engineer at a computer

The Foundations of Human-Centric Design in Manufacturing

If we want our product to be useful, fit for purpose, and marketable, we need to consider many factors, starting with its design. Whether you've identified a product need or a market gap, you'll want to ensure your end product is appropriate.
By Protolabs
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Flash on a moulded part
Injection Moulding
18/04/2024

Injection Moulding Defects and How to Prevent Them

This blog explores some of the most common injection moulding defects, how to identify them, how problematic they are and how to prevent them.
By Protolabs
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A person inspecting a high-precision aluminium mould in a workshop
Tech Tips
11/04/2024

What is Short Run Injection Moulding? Benefits and Use Cases

Understand what benefits short run injection moulding can provide to product teams, such as reducing time to market and development costs.
By Lucas Tofteland
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