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The Digital Thread

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

Past 'plastic' posts

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Clear ABS resin pellets
Materials Science
13/06/2024

ABS vs. PC: Comparing Two Common Thermoplastics

Choosing to use ABS, polycarbonate (PC), or combining them is a popular way to get strong machined, printed, or moulded parts. There are a lot of similarities, but also some significant differences that might help you find just the right one for your parts.
By Protolabs
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HDPE resin pellets closeup
Materials Science
06/06/2024

Translucent and Clear Plastic Injection-Moulded Parts

Choosing the best translucent material for your moulded parts isn’t always crystal clear. There are quite a few things to think about before making your final choice of materials and design.
By Protolabs
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Black and green injection moulded parts
Materials Science
09/05/2024

ABS vs. Polypropylene (PP): Deciding Between Two Popular Plastics

ABS and polypropylene (PP) are strong contenders for many projects, but what are the differences?
By Protolabs
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A person inspecting a high-precision aluminium mould in a workshop
Tech Tips
11/04/2024

What is Short Run Injection Moulding? Benefits and Use Cases

Understand what benefits short run injection moulding can provide to product teams, such as reducing time to market and development costs.
By Lucas Tofteland
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Green plastic part
Tech Tips
25/01/2024

Understanding Injection Moulding Tolerances

Why is tolerancing critical in the moulding process? It ensures your parts are made accurately and function properly.
By Protolabs
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Consultative Design Analysis
MFG 360
05/07/2022

Consultative Design Analysis Prepares Parts for Production

Our new consultative design service addresses design feedback and gets your parts ready for manufacturability within our automated system.
By Nicole Hopper
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Delrin part examples
Materials Science
28/01/2020

Delrin Material Properties Offer Strong, Versatile Plastic Alternative to Metal

Consider Delrin as an excellent plastic replacement for metal because of its strength, versatility.
By Protolabs
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Flame-Retardant Thermoplastics and UL Classifications
Tech Tips
01/03/2019

UL 94 Classification and Flame-Retardant Thermoplastics

An overview of thermoplastics with flame-retardant characteristics and the UL 94 classification.
By Protolabs
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what is tpu material - A moulded TPU part
Tech Tips
27/06/2018

The Benefits of Using TPU material in Elastomeric Part Designs

Understand the common characteristics of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU material) and how they can benefit elastomeric part designs.
By Tony Holtz
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