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The Digital Thread

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

Past 'metal 3D printing' posts

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DMLS process
CNC machining
26/05/2025

CNC vs. DMLS: Which One Is Right for Your Part?

Engineers and designers often face this decision when prototyping or producing complex metal parts. Each process comes with strengths and limitations. This guide breaks down the differences, from materials and surface finishes to cost, speed, and complexity, so you can choose the method that best fits your needs.
By Protolabs
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Customer service working on a computer

Using 3D Printing to Create Replacement Parts

Unique products are amazing until parts break and you can’t obtain replacements. Enter 3D printing.
By Eric Utley
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Protolabs DMLS
Material Science
21/01/2019

Inconel 718: A superalloy with enduring relevance

Metal 3D printing has brought Inconel, the classic nickel-based heat resistant alloy, well and truly into the 21st century
By Matt Hatch
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Shortening the Development Cycle in the Aerospace Sector
Thought Leadership
16/01/2019

Shortening the Development Cycle in the Aerospace Sector

Safety is the overriding concern in aerospace and space technology - countless test cycles, inspection procedures and certificates are behind every single part of the jigsaw. Although safety requirements are non-negotiable, they come at a cost – they slow down the speed of the product development cycle.
By Stephen Dyson
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CNC Machining and 3D Printing – Friends or Foes
Thought Leadership
25/07/2018

CNC Machining and 3D Printing – Friends or Foes?

3D printing and CNC machining - do they compete with or complement each other?
By Damian Hennessey
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metal 3 D printed part
Tech Tips
11/07/2018

Metal 3D Printing Requires New Thought Process

As product development speeds up, the design rules are changing. Nowhere is this more apparent when looking at the industrial 3D printing process of direct metal laser sintering.
By Protolabs
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