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The Digital Thread

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

Past 'engineering' posts

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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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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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CAD drawing of Parker Hannifin
Tech Tips
22/02/2024

How Does an Engineering Drawing Differ from CAD?

Regardless of which drawing method you use, it's almost impossible to perfect it first time around. This is where DFM and DFAM come in...
By Protolabs
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Design and manufacture of trickle vents
Tech Tips
11/07/2023

What Are the Key Considerations When Designing Trickle Vents?

Key considerations for designing trickle vents including advantages, disadvantages, challenges in design and solutions.
By Protolabs
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Protolabs blog | Cardboard marble maze
Eye on Innovation
12/12/2018

STEM Inspired Holiday Activities for Young Engineers

With the holidays fast approaching, here are a few ideas to keep aspiring engineers entertained.
By Laura Reeves
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Commercial augmented reality
Industry Spotlight
16/05/2018

Augmented Reality Moves from Recreation to Industry

Augmented reality means business as companies like Apple apply the technology to commercial use.
By Protolabs
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microfluidics parts made with 3d printing
Tech Tips
02/05/2018

3D Printing for Microfluidics Parts

The 3D printing process, stereolithography, builds parts with detailed features and smooth surfaces— making it suitable for microfluidic fabrication.
By Protolabs
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3D-printed part with nickel plating
Tech Tips
04/04/2018

Improving Performance and Cosmetics in 3D-Printed Parts with Secondary Operations

Industrial 3D printing creates functional plastic parts quickly, but often times the parts can benefit from secondary operations that improve on cosmetic appearance and functionality.
By Protolabs
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