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The Digital Thread

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

Latest Posts

medical device prototyping
Materials Matchup
17/10/2024

PEEK, PEI, LSR, and Other Material Options for Medical Prototyping

Consider materials along with manufacturing processes for medical device prototyping.
By Protolabs
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Approved Vendor List
Supply Chain
17/10/2024

Checking the Boxes on Your Approved Vendor List

10 reasons why Protolabs should be on your Approved Vendor List (AVL).
By Protolabs
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carbon bone drill

The Carbon Platform

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.
By Steve Wishau
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3D print cad design
3D Printing
03/10/2024

5 Ways 3D Printing Enriches Product Design

3D printing offers a wealth of opportunities to iterate rapid prototypes for testing and more.
By Protolabs
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CNC Recycled Materials
Material Science
26/09/2024

From Scrap to Success

Introducing recycled materials for CNC machining at Protolabs
By Protolabs
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The Energy, oil and gas sector, 7 key questions from these industries answered.
Industry Spotlight
20/09/2024

7 Key Questions from the Energy, Oil, and Gas Sectors Answered

This blog highlights key questions in the energy, oil, and gas sectors, emphasizing the importance of advanced manufacturing solutions.
By Protolabs
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3D-printed parts
MFG 360
19/09/2024

Metal 3D Printing Service Cost Explained

Explore the variables involved in calculating the cost of 3D-printed parts when using metal additive manufacturing technologies.
By Protolabs
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Shopfloor machines

Batch Production and Batch Manufacturing:

This blog answers your questions about batch production. When is it suitable? What are the advantages? And more,
By Protolabs
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Protolabs x IMarEST Survey 2024
Thought leadership
05/09/2024

Protolabs x IMarEST Survey 2024: Manufacturing in the Maritime industry

A lack of expertise and skilled personnel is holding the maritime industry back, according to a new survey by the IMarEST and Protolabs – but solving it could open up a wealth of opportunity.
By Protolabs, IMarEST
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MJF part
Tech Tips
05/09/2024

Designing a part for Multi Jet Fusion

Designing for Multi Jet Fusion differs from other 3D printing processes. In this blog we explore considerations and pitfalls when designing a part for MJF.
By Protolabs
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Ribs on plastic part design illustration
MFG 360
29/08/2024

How to Avoid ‘Over-Engineering’ Your Next Part Design

When you hear the term “over-engineering,” you probably think about all of those overly complicated products we’ve all encountered that seem too complex relative to their intended use. The confusing shower faucet controls. The washer or dryer with a dizzying array of counter-intuitive buttons and settings. Your new car’s baffling audio setup. Well, you get the idea.
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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