The Digital Thread
Your blog feed for manufacturing resources, in-depth features, and industry news.
Prototyping Technologies for 3D Printing: SLA vs. FDM
SLA and FDM each have their own advantages. SLA works great for intricate details, smooth surface finishes, and when strength and durability of the model is not crucial. FDM is often used for early prototyping, low-cost models, and when precision and surface finish isn’t crucial.
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GE Additive Brews up a Solution for German Beer Maker’s Process
Posted On October 31, 2019 By Nicole Hopper
The Kaspar Schulz Brewery in Bavaria, Germany leverages 3D printing to reduce the time consuming stages in the early part of brewing by half.
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Hacksmith Crafts Real Versions of Fictional Ideas—with Hand from Digital Manufacturing
Posted On October 30, 2019 By Sarah Ekenberg
YouTuber Hacksmith takes fictional ideas from comics and video games and makes working prototypes.
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Heavy Equipment Trends: Drones, Data, and Driverless Dump Trucks
Posted On October 16, 2019 By Protolabs
The heavy equipment industry, and the construction sector it serves, are seeing greater use of drones, data, and driverless dump trucks.
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Finish Your Molded Part with Coloring and Secondary Operations
Posted On October 14, 2019 By Nicole Hopper
Add the finishing touches to your molded parts with custom coloring, texturing, inserts, laser engraving (pictured), inspection reports, and more.
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Proof-of-Concept Study Shows Exoskeleton for Tetraplegia Feasible
Posted On October 9, 2019 By Nicole Hopper
Results of a two-year trial show a patient paralyzed in all four limbs able to walk with the assistance of a brain-controlled exoskeleton.
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Titanium vs Aluminum: Workhorse Metals for Machining and 3D Printing
Posted On October 4, 2019 By Steve Konick
Light weight and strength help aluminum and titanium excel for 3D-printed and machined parts.
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There's No Crying in Medical Manufacturing!
Posted On September 30, 2019 By Annie Cashman
Medical manufacturing innovation is being aided by Protolabs and its ever-expanding services.
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Create Jigs and Fixtures with CNC Machining and 3D Printing
Posted On September 26, 2019 By Protolabs
Jigs and fixtures are key production tools and can be created using CNC machining or 3D printing.
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Aerie Designs Creates Drone Control Solution with Injection Molding
Posted On September 25, 2019 By Protolabs
Using insert molding, mold texturing, and laser engraving, Aerie Design has created a drone controller attachment to boost comfort and precision.
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The Carbon Platform: Enabling Digital Manufacturing at Any Scale
Posted On September 24, 2019 By Steve Wishau
Adding to Protolabs’ available technologies for rapid prototyping and on-demand production, Carbon’s suite of software, hardware, and materials provides another production method for end-use parts.