The Upload

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

Latest Posts

3D Printing Has a Glamorous New Dimension
Digital Manufacturing
May 7, 2019

3D Printing Has a Glamorous New Dimension: High Fashion

3D printing made its high-fashion debut at the 2019 Met Gala with gowns and accessories featuring 3D-printed elements and structures.
By Angelo Gentile
Read More
self-sailing boat drones
Industry Spotlight
April 23, 2019

Innovation is Personal: Cleveland Clinic Alliance Spurs Med Advances

A family story shows how medtech innovation can be personal, making Protolabs’ new alliance with Cleveland Clinic Innovations especially gratifying.
By Annie Cashman
Read More
3d printed lattice part
Digital Manufacturing
April 16, 2019

3D Printing’s Game-Changing Tech Featured at Innovation Gallery

3D printing technology, including Protolabs’ industrial-grade processes, are featured through April at Glen Raven Concept Gallery in Burlington, NC.
By Angelo Gentile
Read More
powder coating sheet metal
Tech Tips
March 27, 2019

Custom Sheet Metal Parts: Adding a Finishing Touch

Whether you want to extend the life of your part, make it aesthetically pleasing, or ensure structural integrity of your assembly, it’s all about the finishing.
By Steve Konick
Read More
laser cut sheet metal parts
Tech Tips
March 13, 2019

What is Laser Cutting?

Lasers have emerged as prime production tools, bringing precision and strength as cutting methods for various metal manufacturing processes.
By Steve Konick
Read More
Moon to Mars Ice Prospecting Drill Device
Industry Spotlight
March 5, 2019

From the Moon to Mars: How Protolabs is Helping Students Advance Space Developments

To further advance STEM education and assist students pursuing careers in aerospace, we're supporting the Moon to Mars Ice and Prospecting Challenge by helping the top three teams bring their designs to life.
By Protolabs
Read More
Flame-Retardant Thermoplastics and UL Classifications
Tech Tips
March 1, 2019

UL 94 Classification and Flame-Retardant Thermoplastics

An overview of thermoplastics with flame-retardant characteristics and the UL 94 classification.
By Protolabs
Read More
3d printing in auto industry
Industry Spotlight
February 20, 2019

Small Satellites, Big Market: Sky’s the Limit for CubeSats

The global marketplace for CubeSats—or nanosatellites—is growing dramatically as more space launch companies offer reduced-cost options
By Brandon Marcus
Read More
ge jet engine
Industry Spotlight
February 19, 2019

3D Printing Helps Keep Aerospace Industry Aloft

As more innovations emerge in 3D printing, the additive manufacturing technology is playing a greater role in the aerospace industry.
By Protolabs
Read More
LEAP Guitar Pick Hero Image
Q+A
February 14, 2019

Digital Manufacturing Strikes a Chord with New Guitar Pick Design

Paul Holcomb used Protolabs' digital manufacturing services to bring a new guitar pick design to market. The process consisted of several prototypes to test materials and design, then on-demand manufacturing for low-volume production.
By Matt Ahart
Read More
Copper Labs
Materials Matchup
February 8, 2019

A Sheet Metal Materials Comparison: Galvanized vs. Galvannealed Steel

Two of the most popular forms of carbon steel for manufacturing—galvanized and galvannealed—start with the same process, but that’s where the similarities end.
By Steve Konick
Read More
Copper Labs
Q+A
February 5, 2019

Copper Labs Takes an Agile Approach to Hardware Development

Copper Labs is working towards a more sustainable future with its smart device that helps consumers and utilities manage energy consumption and cost.
By Matt Ahart
Read More