The Upload

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

Latest Posts

Sheet metal fabrication
MFG 360
July 9, 2021

Sheet Metal Fabrication is a Go-To Choice for Computer Electronics Components

Fabricated sheet metal parts are prevalent in computer electronics components.
By Amanda Tierney
Read More
CNC machining
MFG 360
June 16, 2021

Hard Metals vs. Soft Metals for CNC Machining

Consider these factors before choosing between a hard or soft metal for machining.
By Amanda Tierney
Read More
Supply Chain award from SDCE
Supply Chain
June 16, 2021

Protolabs and Breathe99 recognized as 2021 Top Supply Chain Project

Our work with Breathe99 during the pandemic was recognized as a “Top Supply Chain Project” in 2021.
By Protolabs
Read More
3D-Printed Molds vs. Aluminum Tooling
MFG 360
June 7, 2021

3D-Printed Molds vs. Aluminum Tooling

Compare the pros and cons of molds that are 3D printed in plastic versus tooling that is milled from aluminum.
By Protolabs
Read More
Aura ventilator exploded view
Manufacturing Matchup
May 26, 2021

3D Printing vs. Injection Molding: Which is Better? It Depends

3D printing and injection molding work well for plastic parts. Which is better? It depends.
By Protolabs
Read More
Inspection of a molded part for med tech
MFG 360
May 24, 2021

Let's Get Critical (to Quality) with Injection Molding Part Design

Calling out Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) features in your design assures consistency for molded parts.
By Protolabs
Read More
Protecting your supply chain
Supply Chain
April 23, 2021

COVID, Shipping Containers, and the Suez Canal: What Happens Next, and How to Protect Your Supply Chain

The recent Suez Canal ship blockage shows the need to mitigate supply chain risks.
By Bernie Henderson
Read More
Hacksmith Industries
3D Printing
April 23, 2021

Protolabs and Hacksmith 3D Print Metal Grappling Hook from The Mandalorian

The crew at Hacksmith Industries are pros in taking fictional ideas from comics, movies, and video games, and making actual functioning prototypes. So naturally, we teamed up to help them create creating the world’s fastest grappling hook winch, made famous on The Mandalorian series.
By Protolabs
Read More
Solar Panels
Sustainability
April 21, 2021

Celebrating Earth Day with Solar-powered Manufacturing

To celebrate Earth Day, we've unveiled new solar array at our Plymouth, Minn., manufacturing facility. Nearly 1,900 solar panels were installed on the roof of the building, covering 20 percent of our future energy use.
By Protolabs
Read More
Design for manufacturability
Digital Manufacturing
April 16, 2021

Design for X: Developing Parts With Different Variables In Mind Can Help You Meet Your Product Life Cycle Goals

A Design for X development approach can help you meet your product life cycle goals.
By David Giebenhain
Read More
Porsche’s 3D-printed electric drive unit housing
Eye on Innovation
April 15, 2021

Automotive Industry Embraces Additive Manufacturing

The auto industry embraces 3D printing with Porsche, Formula 1, and Ford all finding innovative new ways to leverage the technology
By Nicole Hopper
Read More
Traix TraceTag contact-tracing device
Q+A
March 30, 2021

Triax Technologies Creates Innovative Contact Tracing Device

Triax Technologies' TraceTag device helps maintain social distancing on construction jobsites.
By Protolabs
Read More