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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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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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sla part being finished

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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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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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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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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satellite being developed by engineers
Industry Trends
16/01/2023

Manufacturing’s role in the new space race

With analysts predicting a market value of $1 trillion by 2040, the space industry is thriving. But what are the key trends that need to be on your radar?
By Protolabs
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direct metal laser sintered metal braket for automotive use
Material Science
09/01/2023

Aluminium Alloys: Go-to Materials for Automotive, Aerospace, and More

Aluminium is a common and popular metal that’s found everywhere and used in a stunningly wide range of parts and products: automotive parts, aerospace components, boat and marine gear, consumer electronics including smart phones, industrial machinery parts, HVAC systems, the list goes on. In this blog we look at why aluminium is so commonly used, why there are so many aluminium alloys, and take a brief glimpse at the main alloys we use at Protolabs.
By Protolabs
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HP PA 11 Camera Lens
Material Science
11/10/2022

Protolabs Switches Additive Manufacturing for PA11 Black to MultiJet Fusion for Better Results

Protolabs Switches Additive Manufacturing for PA11 Black to MultiJet Fusion for Better Results
By Protolabs
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This plastic moulded enclosure is actually an assembly of multiple parts
Tech Tips
03/10/2022

Selecting a Manufacturing Method for Electronic Enclosures

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.
By Protolabs
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Moving 3D Printing into Mainstream Manufacturing
Industry Insight
14/09/2022

Moving 3D Printing into Mainstream Manufacturing

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.
By Protolabs
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3D printing and customised medical implants
3D Printing
04/09/2022

3D printing and customised medical implants

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.
By Protolabs
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