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The Digital Thread

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

Past '3D Printing' posts

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3D Printing part
3D Printing
03/04/2026

3D Printing Design Optimisation: Strength vs. Aesthetics

How to design parts that perform under load while maintaining a refined, customer-ready finish.
By Protolabs
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Drones
3D Printing
06/03/2026

Manufacturing Lightweight Drone Parts with Advanced MJF

With advanced Multi Jet Fusion technology, engineers can build lighter parts for drones.
By Protolabs
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cnc milling a blue nylon block
Materials Science
23/01/2026

Types of Nylon: How They Stack Up

There are many varieties of strong, durable nylon. Find out the right one for your application.
By Protolabs
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A pile of white Nylon Resin pellets
Materials Science
25/11/2025

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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Industrial 3D printing machines in Protolabs manufacturing facility
3D Printing
24/11/2025

Types of 3D Printing Technology

Learn about the various types of 3D printing technologies available for rapid prototyping and production parts and how to choose the best one for you.
By Protolabs
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injection molding living hinge diagram
Tech Tips
03/10/2025

MJF vs. SLS: A Comparison of Polyamide 3D Printing Technologies

A look at the key differences between Multi Jet Fusion and selective laser sintering and how to determine the optimal process for your application.
By Protolabs
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3Dp SLA Process
3D Printing
29/08/2025

Strongest 3D Printing Filaments

Discover the strongest 3D printing filaments, from carbon fibre nylon to high-temp ULTEM, and how to choose the right material.
By Protolabs
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Black ABS Plastic Milled Part
3D Printing
30/06/2025

ABS vs. PLA

A side-by-side guide to two of the most popular 3D printing materials, what they do best, and how to choose between them
By Protolabs
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3D-printed Aluminium
Materials Science
26/06/2025

Comparing Aluminium Alloys: Find the Right Material for Your Part

Compare aluminium alloys to find the material that best fits your project needs.
By Protolabs
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DMLS process
CNC machining
26/05/2025

CNC vs. DMLS: Which One Is Right for Your Part?

Engineers and designers often face this decision when prototyping or producing complex metal parts. Each process comes with strengths and limitations. This guide breaks down the differences, from materials and surface finishes to cost, speed, and complexity, so you can choose the method that best fits your needs.
By Protolabs
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3DP factory
3D Printing
07/05/2025

3D Printing Materials for Rapid Prototyping

See our recommendations for selecting 3D printing materials that are best suited to rapid prototyping. Find out which materials are most durable, cost-effective and commonly used to validate various types of products.
By Protolabs
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3D Printing for Rapid Prototyping
Industry Insights
24/02/2025

The Benefits of 3D Printing for Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping with 3D printing turns CAD files into physical parts in days, enabling fast testing and iteration. This blog shows how it accelerates product development and boosts competitiveness.
By Protolabs
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