blog header

The Digital Thread

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

Past 'Manufacturing' posts

Return to blog home
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
Read More
engineer in product design stage
Tech Tips
30/01/2023

Cutting edge materials for space

Material science constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible in product development, but what materials are making an impact in the space industry? We've compiled a list of cutting edge materials used for space applications to help you make the right decision for your project.
By Protolabs
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
satellite being developed by engineers
Industry Trends
16/01/2023

Manufacturing’s role in the new space race

With analysts predicting a market value of $1 trillion by 2040, the space industry is thriving. But what are the key trends that need to be on your radar?
By Protolabs
Read More
engineer working on satellite design file
Tech Tips
11/01/2023

The Next Frontier: Space and Digital Manufacturing

As the Space sector continues to innovate and develop, adoption of digital manufacturing technologies to support speed, repeatability, and consistency are key to the future success of the industry. In this panel discussion, three of our in-house experts answer your questions on key materials, options for meeting critical quality standards, the future technologies of the industry, and more.
By Protolabs
Read More
manufacturing shop floor

Crisis, what crisis? Four years that shaped Manufacturing Change

In this blog we look back on the last four years of manufacturing - the challenges that were overcome, and how this has prepared the sector to meet new challenges head on in the future. Results are reflective of the yearly manufacturing survey sent out to the community in partnership with IMechE.
By Protolabs
Read More
How digital manufacturing is making prosthetics more personal
medical
25/09/2022

How digital manufacturing is making prosthetics more personal

Digital manufacturing is shaping the future of prosthetics and orthotics by producing more personalised and comfortable solutions faster and at a lower cost. It is also accelerating the development of new ideas through rapid prototyping to test new solutions.
By Protolabs
Read More
Surgical instruments, aids and models and the role of digital manufacturing
medical
18/09/2022

Surgical instruments, aids and models and the role of digital manufacturing

Digital manufacturing is revolutionising surgery. It provides both surgeons and instrument manufacturers with the information and equipment that they need to achieve better results faster and more cost effectively.
By Protolabs
Read More
Moving 3D Printing into Mainstream Manufacturing
Tech Tips
14/09/2022

Moving 3D Printing into Mainstream Manufacturing

In this blog we explore how additive manufacturing is moving beyond prototyping into mainstream manufacturing and how it is solving issues in many industries that other production processes cannot.
By Protolabs
Read More
Speeding up product development for medical devices
medical
11/09/2022

Speeding up product development for medical devices

Getting a new medical device from concept through approval and to manufacture to the deadlines that you and your team expect is a real challenge. Yet something that the recent pandemic has taught us is that it is possible to innovate and achieve production quickly when it is really needed.
By Protolabs
Read More
7 Trends Driving the Future of Consumer Electronics Manufacturing

7 Trends Driving the Future of Consumer Electronics Manufacturing

Consumer electronics continues to be as fast paced as always, and with so much happening, are you up to date on the key trends shaping the future of product development and manufacturing in the industry? Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled 7 key trends driving the future of consumer electronics manufacturing.
By Protolabs
Read More