The Upload

Often, injection molding is considered the most cost-effective production option for SKUs with estimated annual usage in the low-thousands for volume. It comes down to economies of scale—you just set up once to run tens or hundreds of thousands of parts. The highest volumes often bring you the lowest per unit price tags. But, the production setting also typically carries something else with it if you’re thoughtful—cost control, and lots of it.

Machined surface finishes are typically adequate for most parts, but sometimes the standard finish needs to be modified for aesthetic or functional purposes.

Our injection molding facility in Plymouth, Minn. has been inducted into the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network, recognizing our industry leading efforts to implement Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

Tough economic times and supply chain woes require advanced design and production techniques for injection molding. Digital manufacturing keeps you on-time with automation that helps avoid hiccups in your supply chain.

Supply chains are critical to success, but are often incredibly complicated. Let’s take a look at external supply chains within the National Laboratory system and how digital manufacturing fits in.

Sometimes the coolest inventions are right at your fingertips. The Finger Flyer Hoverboard is a fun toy, but also a great teaching tool that explores aerodynamics. Find out how we helped manufacture this remote control-free quadcopter drone.

Electric vehicles and the companies that make them are no longer hidden under a veil of secrecy, conducting business in non-descript warehouses up and down the coasts. We’re now in a full on race to develop the best tech possible, put it into EVs, and ultimately deliver them to the masses.

As automakers drive toward an electric future, a glimpse back reveals a surprising battery-powered heritage.

At our current point in time in the evolution of additive manufacturing, 3D printing serves as both a blessing and a curse with young engineers—thankfully, Protolabs gets it.

With all of the emerging EV choices, here’s a snapshot of a dozen emissions-free, electric vehicles that represent the growing variety of innovation emerging in the automotive sector.

Supply chain disruptions and shortages threaten progress in the the electric and autonomous vehicle industry. Digital manufacturing can help.

In this podcast, we explore how a company is making power wheelchairs smart and sensor-based.