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Protolabs Robotic Materials Blog

Materials that command the Robotics Industry

Posted On 21 February 2023 By Protolabs
This blog looks at common materials used in robotics and their benefits and applications.
engineer in product design stage

Cutting edge materials for space

Posted On 30 January 2023 By Protolabs
Material science constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible in product development, but what materials are making an impact in the space industry? We've compiled a list of cutting edge materials used for space applications to help you make the right decision for your project.
ultem

Using High-Performance PEEK, PEI Plastics for Machining, Moulding

Posted On 23 January 2023 By Steve Konick
Consider cost, part performance when choosing PEEK or PEI (Ultem) Plastics for CNC machining or injection moulding your parts.
direct metal laser sintered metal braket for automotive use

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

Posted On 09 January 2023 By Protolabs
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.
DMLS-aero-auto-part

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

Posted On 01 December 2021 By Steve Konick
Light weight and strength help aluminum and titanium excel for 3D-printed and machined parts.
Tensile Testing for 3D Printing Materials

Tensile testing for 3D Printing Materials

Posted On 01 December 2021 By Rachel Hunt
Tensile strength testing for 3D printing materials determines how a material will behave under load.
Delrin part examples

Delrin Material Properties Offer Strong, Versatile Plastic Alternative to Metal

Posted On 28 January 2020 By Protolabs
Consider Delrin as an excellent plastic replacement for metal because of its strength, versatility.
Polypropylene Part

Polypropylene 3D printing - A new world of prototyping and product design

Posted On 07 October 2019 By Matt Hatch
3D printed parts can now be made in polypropylene, opening up a world of design and testing.
Protolabs DMLS

Inconel 718: A superalloy with enduring relevance

Posted On 21 January 2019 By Matt Hatch
Metal 3D printing has brought Inconel, the classic nickel-based heat resistant alloy, well and truly into the 21st century
Microfine green part

3D Printing Micro Features with MicroFine Green

Posted On 19 November 2018 By Matt Hatch
Most parts can be built in normal resolution, but for parts with fine features around 0.1mm, high resolution may be required.