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The Digital Thread

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

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agriculture robots
Tech Tips
22/08/2023

Turning Over a New Leaf: Digital Manufacturing in Agriculture

In this blog, we explore ways digital manufacturing is helping the agriculture industry tackle new issues and age-old concerns that impact efficiency, sustainability, and the future of our food supply.
By Protolabs
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sla part being finished
Tech Tips
27/02/2023

Secondary Services in a Race to Come First

When working in the Space industry, post-processing options are often the difference between a good idea and a successful project. Whilst most of your focus will be on primary production methods, this blog outlines how secondary services can greatly impact your final project.
By Protolabs
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aerospace part being taken out of delivery box
Tech Tips
13/02/2023

Production Methods for the new frontier

Driving innovation in any industry is difficult, but it’s particularly tricky in the space industry. Parts need to be reliable, withstand increasingly harsh conditions, function for extended periods without maintenance and remain lightweight yet tough enough to withstand the forces of launch and space travel. With these requirements in mind, it's important to select the right manufacturing method.
By Protolabs
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3D printed plastic prototypes: What’s Next?
Industry Spotlight
26/01/2023

3D printed plastic prototypes: What’s Next?

3D printing is often a great entry route to prototyping plastic parts mainly because it is a quick, flexible, and cost-effective process. But what happens once you are ready to move forward with your product development plan?
By Alex Edwards
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ultem for CNC machining
Materials Matchup
23/01/2023

Using High-Performance PEEK, PEI Plastics for Machining, Moulding

Consider cost, part performance when choosing PEEK or PEI (Ultem) Plastics for CNC machining or injection moulding your parts.
By Steve Konick
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Moving from 3D printing to Injection Moulpding Blog
3D Printing
17/01/2023

3D Printed Plastic: Prototypes: What's Next?

3D printing is often a great entry route to prototyping plastic parts mainly because it is a quick, flexible, and cost-effective process. But what happens next?
By Protolabs
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HP PA 11 Camera Lens

Protolabs Switches Additive Manufacturing for PA11 Black to MultiJet Fusion for Better Results

Protolabs Switches Additive Manufacturing for PA11 Black to MultiJet Fusion for Better Results
By Protolabs
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This plastic moulded enclosure is actually an assembly of multiple parts
Tech Tips
03/10/2022

Selecting a Manufacturing Method for Electronic Enclosures

Despite their widely varying applications, many electronic devices have at least one thing in common—the circuit boards and other components that make them work are all in an enclosure.
By Protolabs
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Consultative Design Analysis
MFG 360
05/07/2022

Consultative Design Analysis Prepares Parts for Production

Our new consultative design service addresses design feedback and gets your parts ready for manufacturability within our automated system.
By Nicole Hopper
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Plastic Injection mould part
injection moulding
07/01/2022

Injection moulding – What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of Injection moulding and how to help minimise moulding costs
By Matthew Hatch
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pad printing ,part marking
Tech Tips
03/08/2021

Part Marking using Pad Printing and Laser Engraving

A common finishing option for companies is to mark parts using pad printing or laser engraving.
By Protolabs
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Threaded Inserts with Heat Staking and Ultrasonic Welding
Tech Tips
03/08/2021

Threaded Inserts with Heat Staking and Ultrasonic Welding

Get threaded inserts on injection-moulded parts for added durability and to connect multiple components together.
By Protolabs
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