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The Digital Thread

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

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Protolabs x IMechE Survey 2023
Thought leadership
06/09/2023

Protolabs x IMechE Survey 2023: Cost Pressures Hit Manufacturing's Sustainability Goal

As the price of raw materials and labour rises, our annual survey of the UK manufacturing industry in association with IMechE reveals a new focus on cost: both as a major concern for businesses, and as a potential bottleneck in their adoption of new technologies. In this blog, we explore the survey results in detail.
By Protolabs
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Protolabs x IMarEST Survey 2023
Thought leadership
01/09/2023

Protolabs x IMarEST Survey 2023: Turning Down the Heat

Decarbonisation is the main challenge facing the maritime industry, according to a new survey by the IMarEST and Protolabs – but new technologies offer reasons to be optimistic.
By Protolabs
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agriculture robots

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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innovation in electric vehicles
Industry Insight
22/08/2023

Driving Towards a Sustainable Future: Exploring the Evolution, Challenges, and Potential of Electric Vehicles

This blog looks at the evolution of the electric car, the advantages and challenges and what lies ahead in the future.
By Protolabs
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Protolabs Blog
Tech Tips
22/05/2023

An Introduction to Design for Manufacture for Additive Manufacturing

We’re going to be posting a mix of our industry insights, technical tips and manufacturing advice every week – so make sure you keep an eye out for our updates.
By Protolabs
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Framing the Future: How Additive Manufacturing is impacting Film & Entertainment
Industry Insight
01/05/2023

Framing the Future: How Additive Manufacturing is impacting Film & Entertainment

The emergence of digital technology has made a profound impact on film making, and additive manufacturing is no exception to that trend. In this blog we dive a little deeper into how additive manufacturing is being put into action on the big screen.
By Protolabs
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Franka Emika Robot
Industry Insight
17/04/2023

Manufacturing Robotics Report: Technology and Project Survey

In the final instalment of the Manufacturing Robotics Report we showcase global robotics projects and the various applications and industries robotics can serve
By Protolabs
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automated robots in manufacturing
Industry Insight
10/04/2023

Manufacturing Robotics Report: Manufacturing

In the fourth chapter of the Manufacturing Robotics Report we examine the cutting-edge systems and technologies that enable the acceleration of the robotics industry. Covering industrial robotics as an innovation driver, manufacturing as a service, key manufacturing processes, and the advantages of digital manufacturing for robotics, this chapter takes you from robots that manufacture to manufacturing robots.
By Protolabs
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Robot arm holding chip
Industry Insight
03/04/2023

Manufacturing Robotics Report: Hardware

The third instalment of the Manufacturing Robotics Report focuses on hardware, covering sensors, central processing units, control systems, motors and actuators, and more, alongside common challenges.
By Protolabs
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The first fully soft autonomous robot
Industry Insight
27/03/2023

Manufacturing Robotics Report: Materials

The latest instalment of a five part series, this article takes a deep dive into materials covering the difference between traditional and soft robotics, a new generation of robotics materials, sustainability of robotics materials, applications for soft robotics, and more.
By Protolabs
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engineer with robot
Industry Insight
20/03/2023

Manufacturing Robotics Report: Introduction

First in the five part series, this article provides an introduction to the current state of robotics technology and provides you with an overview of what to expect from the remaining articles.
By Protolabs
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satellite in space
Supply Chain
13/03/2023

How to select the right production partner to get your parts into space

Selecting the right manufacturing partner is vital to ensure your project's success, but how can you be sure that you are making the right decision? We've listed three things you must consider when selecting your production partner.
By Protolabs
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