Design Tips Library
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Comparing Cost between Injection Moulding and 3D Printing
When it comes to prototyping and production, injection moulding and 3D printing work perfectly in tandem. But which service is best for your part?
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Material Hardness Testing of CNC Machined Parts
How to test your material to ensure it has the required level of hardness for your part, and if not, how to increase hardness in your part.
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Solving Wall Thickness Issues in Moulded Parts
Address design change requests related to slot widths and wall thicknesses for injection molded parts
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Finding the Right Corrosion-resistant Metals
Parts turning to piles of rust? These materials can help you avoid the scourge of corrosion.
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Plastics that Meet Medical Needs
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to plastics for medical parts. At the top of the list is safety, parts going inside the body and longevity. So, which is the best to choose for your application?
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Common Impact-Resistant Plastics
Break, shatter, and crack would make a great early rock song, but it’s not music to the ears of designers who want long-lasting plastic parts. Take a dive into the world of impact-resistant plastics.
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Selecting a Material for Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing
Compare materials for stereolithography with one another and with injection-moulded plastics.
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UV Resistant Plastics
This design tip evaluates UV-resistant plastic options available for injection moulding, 3D printing, and CNC machining.
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Glass Transition Temperature of Polymers
There’s an important but often overlooked material consideration when designing parts for plastic injection moulding. It’s called Tg, short for glass transition temperature or Tg.
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Understanding Powder Bed Fusion Technology
Powder bed fusion (PBF) is an additive manufacturing, or 3d printing, technology that uses a heat source--typically a laser--to sinter or fuse atomised powder particles together.
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How to Choose a Heat Resistant Plastic
No one likes to see their plastic parts melt. That’s why we offer up this design tip to help guide you through the myriad of material choices you can use for your application. From PEEK to PEI to LSR and beyond, you’ll get what you need to know ASAP.
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Advantages of Aluminium for CNC
We’ll dig deep into 6 key advantages which could make all the difference. From cost through its
ease of machineability to keep your budgets on track, to the material properties that you need for
your part, we’ll explain why aluminium is worth looking at for your next job.
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3D Printing in New Industries
This Design Tips episode looks at why PepsiCo approached Protolabs to support with the production of promotional masks for the launch of Black Panther movie, why IEVA used 3D printing to develop parts for their Twin-C smart jewellery range and why fashion designer Zac Posen turned to this technology to design a dress for actress Nina Dobrev for the Met Gala
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Picking the best material for CNC Machining
Selecting the right material for CNC machining can make all the difference if you want to produce a functional part or prototype at a reasonable price.
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Why 3D Print?
3D printing can offer a wide range of advantages over more traditional manufacturing techniques. However, in general there are four major areas where it can come out in front of those processes:
• Geometry
• Flexibility
• Speed
• Cost
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MJF vs SLS 3D printing – A head-to-head comparison
How does selective laser sintering (SLS) compare with relative newcome multi jet fusion (MJF).
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How to create greener parts
An increasingly popular topic these days is how to make greener products and parts. Whilst we can’t give you a definitive answer, this design tip will look at different factors to consider when designing a greener part such as, material type and amount, embedded energy, life cycles, durability, weight and maintainability.
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Fine-Tuning Tolerances for CNC Machined Parts
Maximize part quality, navigate design challenges using standardized tolerances on machined parts
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How to Design STL Files for 3D Printing in Your CAD Program
Try these tips to optimise your design for STL—the common CAD format used in additive manufacturing
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Switching From Metal to Plastic
This tip looks at some reasons for choosing plastic over metal including, weight, finishes, strength, longevity, recyclability, cost.
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Why Material Science is Key to Part Interaction
The role that material compatibility, adhesion, friction, and wear play in design selection of moulded parts.
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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing 3D-Printed Parts
Improve part design in 3D printing by adhering to minimum feature sizes, avoiding warpage, and more
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Thermoplastic vs. Thermoset
Thermoplastic vs. Thermoset
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How to Design for Nylon 3D Printing
Consider these guidelines when designing for Multi Jet Fusion and selective laser sintering.
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9 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Injection Moulded Parts
Navigate these challenges to improve design, shorten production time, reduce costs on injection moulded parts
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Manufacturing Tool Kit for the Medical Industry
8 ways to improve design, development, and function of medical products and devices
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6 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Machined Parts
We’ve compiled six common machining issues to avoid to help you improve part design and reduce cost.
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Family Tooling
Family tooling can be used when the parts need to be of a similar size and geometry and be small enough to fit within the confines of a standard mould.
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Manufacturing Tool Kit for Consumer Electronics
4 ways to improve part design through customisation, material considerations, iterative prototyping, and the use of digital manufacturing.
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CNC Machining Materials
With a universe of metal and plastic options available, keep in mind your machined part’s function when choosing material.
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Reinforce Parts With Support Features and Material Selection
Reinforce Parts With Support Features and Material Selection
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Cosmetic Defects in Injection Moulding and How to Avoid Them
Improve the appearance and performance of injection-moulded parts by eliminating cosmetic issues early.
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A Closer Look at Material Properties
A key consideration of a part’s overall function—whether it’s moulded, fabricated, machined, or 3D printed—is the material it’s made from. So when designing plastic or metal parts, closely evaluate a material’s mechanical, physical, thermal, and electrical properties.
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Post-Processing for Metal 3D Printing
Learn how to improve dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and mechanical properties on metal parts with high-requirement applications.
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Designing for Liquid Silicone Rubber
We offer liquid silicone rubber among our list of injection moulding capabilities. Learn how to optimize LSR parts with 6 simple design considerations.
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How to Reduce CNC Machining Costs
Use these design and material considerations to cut your machining costs.
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Balancing CNC Machining and 3D Printing for Metal Parts
How subtractive and additive manufacturing create the ideal equation for metal manufacturing
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3D Printing Nylon Parts with Living Hinges
Material selection, hinge length, and degree of bend are all critical when designing 3D-printed parts with living hinges.
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Improving Part Design with Uniform Wall Thickness
Learn how small changes to an injection moUlding design like wall thickness or material choice can lead to more durable parts that are free of cosmetic defects
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Using 3D Printing for Complex Jigs and Fixtures
Additive manufacturing is an excellent complement or alternative to machining when irregular, intricate, or smaller jigs and fixtures are needed
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Solving Gating Problems in Injection Moulding
Consider three types of gate options and solve common gating problems like location & placement when designing parts for injection moulding at Protolabs.
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Tips to Reduce Injection Moulding Costs
Stretch your budget with these injection moulding design recommendations
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Prototyping with PolyJet 3D Printing
Use PolyJet to combine elastomeric and rigid properties together for prototyping two-material components.
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Mastering Complex Features on Machined Parts
Create complex machined parts faster and more efficiently with a few quick tips.
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Knit Lines and How to Avoid Them
When injection moulding a part, a knit line may present no problem, or can cause a serious structural problem. Take these steps to avoid knit lines.
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5 Ways to Master Complex Features in Injection-Moulded Parts
Create engaging, efficient parts, plus reduce costs with these complex injection moulding design techniques.
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How to Use Multi Jet Fusion for Functional 3D-Printed Parts
Create functional prototypes and end-use production parts with HP’s 3D printing technology.
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Design Tip: Designing for liquid silicone rubber
We offer liquid silicone rubber among our list of injection molding capabilities. Learn how to optimize LSR parts with 6 simple design considerations.
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Building Strength into Parts with Insert Moulding
A combination of both plastic and metal, insert moulding can add strength and durability to parts
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Your Manufacturing Options for Elastomeric Parts
What are your material options when designing elastomeric parts for 3D printing and injection moulding?
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9 Tips to Reduce Injection Moulding Costs
Stretch your budget with these injection moulding design recommendations
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9 Strategies for Designing Multipart Assemblies
Creating cost-effective assemblies often means lower part counts, flexible yet simple product designs, and a look at alternative manufacturing technologies.
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6 Ways to Achieve Undercut Success in Moulded Parts
If your part design requires undercuts, consider side-action cams, bumpoffs, inserts, and other complex injection moulding techniques.
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6 Ways to Optimise Part Design for CNC Machining
Consider hole depths, threading, wall thickness, and other machining capabilities to reduce production time and expense.
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Moving Between 3D Printing and CNC Machining for Plastic Parts
Moving Between 3D Printing and CNC Machining for Plastic Parts
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Bridging the Gap Between Prototyping and Production
Bridging the Gap Between Prototyping and Production
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Popular Injection Moulding Materials and How to Select the Right Plastic for Your Part
Common injection moulding plastic materials for Your Parts
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Finding a Balance with Resin Colourants
Finding a Balance with Resin Colourants
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Thermoplastic Glass Filling, Colourants, and Other Additives
Thermoplastic Glass Filling, Colourants, and Other Additives
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Improving Part Design with Uniform Wall Thickness
Achieve consistent walls and features with slight adjustments to geometry and materials
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Creating Complex Undercuts with Bumpoffs
Creating Complex Undercuts with Bumpoffs
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Threading Considerations for CNC Machining
Navigate the growing options available for adding threaded features to machined parts
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Adding Text into Part Design
Adding Text into Part Design
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Sorting through Surface Finishes
Sorting through Surface Finishes
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Eliminating Side-Actions with Draft
Eliminating Side-Actions with Draft
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Incorporating Shut-offs in Injection Moulding Design
Shut-offs are key features that help solve difficult tooling and design issues when creating injection-moulded parts.
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Adding Crush Ribs to Moulded Parts
Adding Crush Ribs to Moulded Parts
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Cutting Corners on Injection-Moulded Parts
Cutting Corners on Injection-Moulded Parts
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Reading Between the Lines: Proper Planning for Parting Lines Can Improve Part Cosmetics and Functionality
Proper Planning for Parting Lines Can Improve Part Cosmetics and Functionality
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Designing for Overmoulding
Designing for Overmoulding
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5 Design Considerations for Multi-Cavity Moulds
5 Design Considerations for Multi-Cavity Moulds
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6 Ways to Simplify Mould Modifications
6 Ways to Simplify Mould Modifications
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How to Plan for Design Changes Without Breaking the Bank
How to Plan for Design Changes Without Breaking the Bank
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Creating self-mating parts in injection moulding design
Creating self-mating parts in injection moulding design
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Optical LSR for Lighting Applications
Optical LSR for Lighting Applications
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Injection Moulding for Optical Applications
Injection Mouding for Optical Applications
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The Secret to Living Hinges That Fold Flat
The Secret to Living Hinges That Fold Flat
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How to Leverage Low-Volume Injection Moulding
How to Leverage Low-Volume Injection Moulding
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Minimising Knit Lines
Minimising Knit Lines
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How to Solve Gating Problems in Moulding
How to Solve Gating Problems in Moulding
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Gate Considerations to Improve Mouldability
Gate Considerations to Improve Mouldability
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Creating Channels in Part Design
Creating Channels in Part Design
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Using Ejector Pins Properly on Moulded Parts
Using Ejector Pins Properly on Moulded Parts
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5 Ways to Improve Part Mouldability with Draft
Apply proper draft early and often to injection-moulded parts to save production time and money
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Design Essentials for Injection Moulding
How draft, radii, wall thickness and other design factors improve part manufacturability
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Conquering Complexities: Mould-Making Techniques Make Complicated Features Possible
Conquering Complexities: Mould-Making Techniques Make Complicated Features Possible
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Designing Effective Clips for Moulded Parts
Designing Effective Clips for Moulded Parts
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Using Side-Actions in Moulding Design
Using Side-Actions in Moulding Design
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Choosing the Right Boss For Your Part Design
Building Better Bosses
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Choosing Core and Cavity Placement for Moulded Parts
Choosing Core and Cavity Placement for Moulded Parts
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Reinforce Parts With Support Features and Material Selection
Reinforce Parts With Support Features and Material Selection
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Turning to Lathe For Parts with Cylindrical Features
Turning to Lathe For Parts with Cylindrical Features
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6 Ways to Cut Machining Costs
Incorporate a few design and material considerations to reduce your machining expenses
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3D CAD Programs: Functionality and File Formats for Moulding Design
Functionality and File Formats for Moulding Design
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Mastering ProtoQuote: Create Better Parts With Our Design Analysis
Create Better Parts With Our Design Analysis
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When in Doubt, Go With the Flow
Use resin flow analysis to improve your part
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Industrial 3D Printing for Production Parts
Focus on the process, material selection, and part geometry when designing functional parts.
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3D Printing Fully Functional Parts with Selective Laser Sintering
3D Printing Fully Functional Parts with Selective Laser Sintering
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Rapid Prototyping with Stereolithography
3D printing with stereolithography (SL) quickly, accurately creates complex prototypes.
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How Metal 3D Printing is Redefining Part Design
Direct metal laser sintering brings unprecedented freedom to those willing to rethink traditional part design.
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How DMLS is a Reliable Additive Alternative for Complex Metal Parts
Getting Started with Metal Additive Manufacturing. Learn how metal additive creates complex, durable, lightweight metal parts
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6 Ways to Cut Costs, Improve Designs with Industrial 3D Printing
Additive manufacturing can reduce costs in prototyping and low-volume production, provided you know the rules
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Conquering Undercut Design Issues with Side-actions, Inserts, and Shut-offs
Solving undercut issues in design with side-actions, inserts, and shut-offs
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How to Solve for Size Constraints, Small Gaps, and Thin Walls in 3D-Printed Parts
3DP design for manufacturing (DFM) advisories help you avoid production delays and wasted iterations.
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Why You Should Use Vapour Smoothing on 3D-Printed Parts
Vapour smoothing uses a chemical solution to smooth remove surface impurities from 3D-printed parts.
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Using Lattice Structures in 3D Printing for Strength and Lightweighting
A great thing about 3D printed parts is they can be lightweighted while improving strength and durability. The secret is using an interior lattice structure
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Combining Rigid and Flexible Materials with PolyJet Overmoulding
Overmoulding is a familiar feature when manufacturing injection moulded parts, but you can do the same thing with PolyJet 3D printing. Find out how.
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Manufacturing Considerations for Plastic Prototyping
Discover if CNC machining, 3D printing, or injection moulding is best for your plastic prototype.
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How Much Does 3D Printing Cost? Key Factors to Consider.
Exploring the multiple ways you can lower your part costs at all stages when developing parts.
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Resin 3D Printing: Use Cases and Key Benefits
Resin 3D printing describes a subset of manufacturing technologies that additively build parts by curing liquid resin.
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Manufacturing Tool Kit for the Aerospace Industry
These four things can improve product development and design for aerospace and defense companies.
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The Benefits of Design for Manufacturability Advisories
Design for manufacturability advisories can make all the difference in getting great parts quickly.
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Create Production Parts with Carbon 3D Printing
Get tips on designing for Carbon, and see how it compares to stereolithography and Multi Jet Fusion.
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Metal Prototyping: How to Choose a Material and Technology
Explore your options for developing metal prototypes
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How to 3D Print Flexible Parts
This Design Tip article explore the 3D printing materials and processes available for making flexible parts
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