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The Digital Thread

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

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 Solar Racing Car
digital innovation
13/06/2025

Racing the Sun: Engineering the World’s Most Successful Solar Racing Team

What does it take to build a car capable of crossing a continent on nothing but solar power? Find out how Brunel Solar Team, the world’s most decorated solar racing team engineers a winning formula as they prepare for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.
By Alex Edwards
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Facility Condition Assessments
global supply chain
03/06/2025

Trending Topics in Manufacturing: Taking the Pulse of the Industry

Get to know the latest trends shaping the future of manufacturing in 2025. From overcoming supply chain challenges and leveraging AI, to enhancing sustainability and embracing digital innovation, we explore navigating industry-wide challenges with cutting-edge technologies.
By Protolabs
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Manufacturing
industry insights
28/03/2025

What are the Key Principles of Lean Manufacturing?

Industry leaders are embracing lean manufacturing. It cuts down on waste, improves efficiency, and keeps businesses competitive. Learn about the core principles and how it applies to your business.
By Protolabs
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Customer Service
resources
17/03/2025

HS Codes: Your Definitive Guide to the Harmonised System

Find out about the Harmonised System, the globally recognised system for classifying various types of products for international trade. Understand HS codes, where to find them, and their role in customs procedures, including tariffs and importing and exporting regulations.
By Protolabs
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Approved Vendor List
Supply Chain
17/10/2024

Checking the Boxes on Your Approved Vendor List

10 reasons why Protolabs should be on your Approved Vendor List (AVL).
By Protolabs
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boat with shipping containers

Architecting a Manufacturing Framework for the Future

Manufacturing is changing. In the past, manufacturing was all about mass production and economies of scale, but now shifting consumer demands are driving a transformation of the industry. In this blog, we break down some of the key trends piloting these changes.
By Protolabs
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Boltzmann Brain

How Digital Manufacturing Turns Information into Reality

Using the field of Information Science to learn more deeply explore additive manufacturing.
By Eric Utley
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Sustainable mobility
Industry Spotlight
26/03/2024

The Route to Success: Critical Factors for Achieving Sustainable Mobility

Sustainable Mobility can be defined in many ways. Is it a concept for transforming how we transport from an ecological standpoint or Is it taking into account the accessibility of travel? In this blog, we explore key areas that play a crucial role in defining sustainable mobility.
By Protolabs
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Supply chain resilience with JIT Manufacturing
Supply Chain
12/02/2024

How a Modified Just-in-Time Manufacturing Approach Evolved for Supply Chains

Just-in-time manufacturing was created to cure supply chain woes, but something happened…
By Protolabs
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3D brain with purple background for Artificial Intelligence

ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and the Future of Design using AI and 3D Printing

Will your next designer be a computer? Explore how AI is making inroads in CAD modeling.
By Eric Utley
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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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supply chain resilience
Supply Chain
25/04/2023

Building supply chain resilience: five solutions for strengthening your supply chain

As the complexity of supply chains continues to grow and the number of unforeseeable disruptions increases, it is essential for businesses to develop a risk management strategy to address future disruptions. For organisations looking to build a resilient supply chain, this blog focuses on five key elements necessary for preparing for future disruptions.
By Protolabs
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