The Digital Thread

We're often asked what's the best material for selective laser sintering (SLS)? Learn more about the elements which might influence your choice of material for SLS.

Slide bearings are a critical component in many engineering applications, they provide a smooth, low-friction surface that allows parts to move back and forth multiple times, with a long service life. This blog covers materials to consider for slide bearings.

This blog looks at common materials used in robotics and their benefits and applications.

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.

Consider cost, part performance when choosing PEEK or PEI (Ultem) Plastics for CNC machining or injection moulding your parts.

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.

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

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

Consider Delrin as an excellent plastic replacement for metal because of its strength, versatility.

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

Metal 3D printing has brought Inconel, the classic nickel-based heat resistant alloy, well and truly into the 21st century

Most parts can be built in normal resolution, but for parts with fine features around 0.1mm, high resolution may be required.