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The Digital Thread

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

Past 'design' posts

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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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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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scientific moulding
Tech Tips
23/05/2024

How to Design a Part to Ensure a High-Quality Product

Every product designer and engineer dreams of creating parts that are free from defects first time round. In this blog, you'll learn how. Find out more
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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design engineer at a computer

The Foundations of Human-Centric Design in Manufacturing

If we want our product to be useful, fit for purpose, and marketable, we need to consider many factors, starting with its design. Whether you've identified a product need or a market gap, you'll want to ensure your end product is appropriate.
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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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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Design process
Supply Chain
13/11/2023

How can design firms get the best from their manufacturing partnership?

As a design firm how do you choose a manufacturing partner? And how do you ensure you get the most out of that relationship? This blog post explores the answer.
By Protolabs
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CAD design
Supply Chain
13/11/2023

How to choose the right design firm for your needs

You need someone to help you get that part designed in CAD, prototyped, tested and out to market; where do you start? This blog looks at the answer to this.
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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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
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