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The Digital Thread

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

Latest Posts

The first fully soft autonomous robot
Industry Insight
27/03/2023

Manufacturing Robotics Report: Materials

The latest instalment of a five part series, this article takes a deep dive into materials covering the difference between traditional and soft robotics, a new generation of robotics materials, sustainability of robotics materials, applications for soft robotics, and more.
By Protolabs
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engineer with robot
Industry Insight
20/03/2023

Manufacturing Robotics Report: Introduction

First in the five part series, this article provides an introduction to the current state of robotics technology and provides you with an overview of what to expect from the remaining articles.
By Protolabs
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satellite in space
Tech Tips
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
Tech Tips
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
Tech Tips
27/02/2023

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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Protolabs Robotic Materials Blog
Robotics
21/02/2023

Materials that command the Robotics Industry

This blog looks at common materials used in robotics and their benefits and applications.
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
Tech Tips
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 Matchup
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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