The Upload

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

Latest Posts

Flame-Retardant Thermoplastics and UL Classifications
Materials
June 12, 2025

UL 94 Classification and Flame-Retardant Materials

An overview of materials with flame-retardant characteristics and the UL 94 classification.
By Protolabs
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3D-printed Aluminum
Materials Science
April 30, 2025

Comparing Aluminum Alloys: Find the Right Material for Your Part

Compare aluminum alloys to find the material that best fits your project needs.
By Protolabs
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Inspecting a part
Quality
April 11, 2025

Using First Article Inspection (FAI) for Part Quality, Consistency at Speed

Use digital manufacturing which can include scientific molding processes, combined with specific quality assurance and control methods, to produce parts rapidly and consistently.
By Perry Haislet, Jimmy Spaight
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supply chain image
Global Supply Chain
April 9, 2025

Navigating the Tariff Landscape with Protolabs

Protolabs would like to address the recent news regarding the implementation of new tariffs and to reassure you of our readiness and capability to navigate these changes successfully.
By Rob Bodor
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quality control processes
Quality
March 27, 2025

What is PPAP in Manufacturing?

Understand the role of PPAP in manufacturing quality assurance
By Protolabs
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Variety of parts finished with Cerakote
3D Printing
March 7, 2025

Cerakote Finishing for 3D-Printed Parts

Cerakote is an exceptionally versatile ceramic-based coating available as a finishing option for many of your 3D-printed parts.
By Protolabs
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Approved Vendor List
Supply Chain
January 16, 2025

Checking the Boxes on Your Approved Vendor List

11 reasons why Protolabs should be on your Approved Vendor List (AVL).
By Protolabs
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DMLS 3D-Printed Parts
3D Printing
January 3, 2025

Metal 3D Printing vs. Traditional Casting: Comparing Benefits and Use Cases

The differences between casting and DMLS are quite stark, compare the two technologies to find out what works best for your applications.
By Chloe Vollaro
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Injection Molding Facility
Injection Molding
November 25, 2024

Rapid Injection Molding: Fast Tooling for Quick-Turn Parts

Tips for getting fast injection-molded parts and get to market faster
By Michael Johnson
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bridge production manufacturing
digital manufacturing
November 21, 2024

What is Bridge Production?

Go-to-market faster and keep initial production costs low.
By Protolabs
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Designing a 3DP CAD Model
3D CAD
November 7, 2024

Turning CAD Models into 3D-Printed Parts

Evaluating build direction, support structures, radii placement and wall thickness to optimize printed part.
By Eric Utley
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Threading insert
Tech Tips
October 29, 2024

Threading in 3D Printing: Heat Set and Press Fit Inserts, Tapping

Threading 3D printed parts takes a bit of know-how. Your choices revolve around the part's material and whether you want to print the threads or use an insert.
By Protolabs
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