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Past 'design' posts

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laser cut sheet metal parts
Molding Made Easy
June 20, 2019

Beyond the Straight-Pull Mold: Advanced Tooling for Complex Parts

Manufacturing complex injection-molded parts often requires more advanced molding techniques like side-action cams, pickout inserts, and multi-cavity tooling.
By Protolabs
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Involv3D microscope
Q+A
June 4, 2019

Involv3D Accelerates Speed to Market with Quick-Turn Machining

The scientific initiative needed to quickly prototype custom components for product testing and iteration before moving to large-scale production.
By Nicole Hopper
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Injection molding tunnel gates
Tech Tips
May 23, 2019

How Tunnel Gates Can Improve Injection-Molded Parts

Using tunnel gates for injection-molded parts can often create a more cosmetically pleasing, and consistent, gate vestige on finished parts.
By Protolabs
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Smartphone Manufacturers Push the Boundary in Design and Functionality
Digital Manufacturing
May 8, 2019

Wohlers Associates and Protolabs Host 3D Printing Design Course

Industry and technical experts from the Wohlers Associates group collaborated with Protolabs to host an intensive course on design for additive manufacturing.
By Rachel Hunt
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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
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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
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3D Printing Living Hinges
Tech Tips
November 9, 2018

How to Design 3D-Printed Living Hinges

Considerations for designing living hinges in 3D-printed parts while maintaining part integrity.
By Tony Holtz
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molding an aluminum mold for production
CAD Analysis
November 7, 2018

Design Validation with SOLIDWORKS: Injection Molding

Explore several tools within SOLIDWORKS that can help you analyze the manufacturability of your injection molding design.
By Mark Rushton
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screw boss diagram
Tech Tips
April 26, 2018

Design Better Screw Bosses on Molded Parts

Several considerations for designing plastic screw bosses on molded parts that are mechanically strong and free of cosmetic defects.
By Protolabs
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molding an aluminum mold for production
Tech Tips
September 11, 2017

What is Product Manufacturing Information (PMI)?

Product manufacturing information, or PMI, is critical to digital inspection reporting. PMI is any non-geometric data included within a 3D CAD file.
By Protolabs
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injection molding living hinge diagram
Tech Tips
July 24, 2017

Living Hinge Basics for Injection Molding

These design guidelines will help you create durable living hinges that add functionality to your injection-molded parts and reduce manufacturing costs.
By Protolabs
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different color jigs for manufacturing equipment
Tech Tips
April 7, 2017

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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