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The Digital Thread

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

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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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Microfine material
3D Printing
15/08/2024

Recent 3D Printing Trends in the Medical Industry

What does the future hold for 3D printing within the medical industry?
By Protolabs
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boat with shipping containers

Architecting a Manufacturing Framework for the Future

Manufacturing is changing. In the past, manufacturing was all about mass production and economies of scale, but now shifting consumer demands are driving a transformation of the industry. In this blog, we break down some of the key trends piloting these changes.
By Protolabs
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Boltzmann Brain

How Digital Manufacturing Turns Information into Reality

Using the field of Information Science to learn more deeply explore additive manufacturing.
By Eric Utley
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Hitekw Tennis Racket
Industry Insights
18/07/2024

Game Changing Innovations

This blog looks at the sporting industry and how digital manufacturing is being increasingly used to its advantage.
By Protolabs
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Gaming trends
Industry Spotlight
02/07/2024

Top 5 Gaming Trends: How Manufacturers Can Help Level Up The Industry

In the dynamic gaming industry, staying ahead of the latest tech and software is crucial. In this blog we explore 5 Gaming trends and manufacturing's role within it. Companies like Protolabs provide pre-production services and expert engineering support, enabling game developers and designers to accelerate production and bring innovations to the market faster.
By Protolabs
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Nylon vs Delrin for Manufacturing
Materials Science
30/05/2024

Nylon vs. Delrin: Strong, Durable Materials Ideal for High-Wear Applications

These hard, versatile materials are perfect for use in projects that require high resistance to wear, abrasion, and chemicals.
By Protolabs
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Quality Inspection
Tech Tips
16/05/2024

How to Manufacture Parts with Manufacturing Variations

As with any industry, no matter how meticulous a processes is, it can still be subject to variations, and manufacturing is no different. Learn more.
By Protolabs
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different colour jigs for manufacturing equipment
Tech Tips
28/03/2024

The Difference Between Jigs and Fixtures

Understand the differences between two terms often confused with one another—jigs and fixtures.
By Tony Holtz
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Sustainable mobility
Industry Spotlight
26/03/2024

The Route to Success: Critical Factors for Achieving Sustainable Mobility

Sustainable Mobility can be defined in many ways. Is it a concept for transforming how we transport from an ecological standpoint or Is it taking into account the accessibility of travel? In this blog, we explore key areas that play a crucial role in defining sustainable mobility.
By Protolabs
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shop floor machines
Supply Chain
14/03/2024

What is Lean Manufacturing? And What are the 5 Principles?

Lean Manufacturing (or Lean Production) has been around for years (since 1450 to be precise), but what is lean manufacturing and why is it important? Learn more
By Protolabs
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3D brain with purple background for Artificial Intelligence

ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and the Future of Design using AI and 3D Printing

Will your next designer be a computer? Explore how AI is making inroads in CAD modeling.
By Eric Utley
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