The Digital Thread

Despite their widely varying applications, many electronic devices have at least one thing in common—the circuit boards and other components that make them work are all in an enclosure.

In this blog we explore how additive manufacturing is moving beyond prototyping into mainstream manufacturing and how it is solving issues in many industries that other production processes cannot.

3D printing is making major inroads into customising medical implants for individuals. It allows implant manufacturers and sometimes even hospitals to create complex geometries and patient specific solutions that saves the surgeon time and improves a patient’s outcome.

Protolabs’ new post-process ‘vapour smoothing’ – a first for European digital manufacturing – has developed additive manufacturing further. It enables parts 3D printed from the commonly used material PA-12 and the elastic TPU-01 to be 3D printed with a smooth surface finish similar to that produced by injection moulding.

Tensile strength testing for 3D printing materials determines how a material will behave under load.

We are proud to officially open our new 3D printing centre of excellence in Putzbrunn near Munich. The centre is a world class facility that contains future-oriented technologies, highly skilled employees and a host of sustainable benefits.

The automotive industry is doubling down on its push to adapt additive manufacturing technologies

How vapour smoothing takes the surface quality of 3D printed parts to the next level

In this particular article we’ll take a look at the new platform for when uploading parts for 3D printing – Protolabs’ world-leading service for rapid prototypes and functional parts.

We have expanded our Multi Jet Fusion Service. Ultrasint™ TPU01, a new material, with rubber-like elasticity that is tear and abrasion resistant as well as resistant to grease and oil. This material offers unlimited design possibilities and excellent part accuracy for prototypes and low-volume production parts.

3D printed parts can now be made in polypropylene, opening up a world of design and testing.

We wanted to mention how proud we were to once again partner with the 3D Printing Industry to hold the trophy design competition for 2019.