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The Digital Thread

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

Past 'manufacturing' posts

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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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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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engineer working on satellite design file
Tech Tips
11/01/2023

The Next Frontier: Space and Digital Manufacturing

As the Space sector continues to innovate and develop, adoption of digital manufacturing technologies to support speed, repeatability, and consistency are key to the future success of the industry. In this panel discussion, three of our in-house experts answer your questions on key materials, options for meeting critical quality standards, the future technologies of the industry, and more.
By Protolabs
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manufacturing shop floor

Crisis, what crisis? Four years that shaped Manufacturing Change

In this blog we look back on the last four years of manufacturing - the challenges that were overcome, and how this has prepared the sector to meet new challenges head on in the future. Results are reflective of the yearly manufacturing survey sent out to the community in partnership with IMechE.
By Protolabs
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How digital manufacturing is making prosthetics more personal
medical
25/09/2022

How digital manufacturing is making prosthetics more personal

Digital manufacturing is shaping the future of prosthetics and orthotics by producing more personalised and comfortable solutions faster and at a lower cost. It is also accelerating the development of new ideas through rapid prototyping to test new solutions.
By Protolabs
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Surgical instruments, aids and models and the role of digital manufacturing
medical
18/09/2022

Surgical instruments, aids and models and the role of digital manufacturing

Digital manufacturing is revolutionising surgery. It provides both surgeons and instrument manufacturers with the information and equipment that they need to achieve better results faster and more cost effectively.
By Protolabs
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Moving 3D Printing into Mainstream Manufacturing
Tech Tips
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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Speeding up product development for medical devices
medical
11/09/2022

Speeding up product development for medical devices

Getting a new medical device from concept through approval and to manufacture to the deadlines that you and your team expect is a real challenge. Yet something that the recent pandemic has taught us is that it is possible to innovate and achieve production quickly when it is really needed.
By Protolabs
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7 Trends Driving the Future of Consumer Electronics Manufacturing

7 Trends Driving the Future of Consumer Electronics Manufacturing

Consumer electronics continues to be as fast paced as always, and with so much happening, are you up to date on the key trends shaping the future of product development and manufacturing in the industry? Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled 7 key trends driving the future of consumer electronics manufacturing.
By Protolabs
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3D printing and customised medical implants
medical
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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Digital manufacturing and the future of dentistry
medical
29/08/2022

Digital manufacturing and the future of dentistry

Major dental work traditionally takes days of time and effort but as technology evolves even complex treatment is possible in just a few hours thanks to digital technology.
By Protolabs
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DMLS-aero-auto-part
Materials Matchup
01/12/2021

Titanium vs Aluminium: Workhorse Metals for Machining and 3D Printing

Light weight and strength help aluminium and titanium excel for 3D-printed and machined parts.
By Steve Konick
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