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Protolabs

Halesfield 8
Telford
Shropshire
TF7 4QN
United Kingdom
www.protolabs.co.uk
01952 683 047

customerservice@protolabs.co.uk

Content Partner News

3D Printing in New Industries

Published: 03/22

When we usually think of 3D printing our minds turn to a handful of familiar areas, such as intricate medical devices, hi-tech automotive parts or rapidly prototyping products that are going to go into mass production. However, over recent years we’ve seen the advantages offered by this technology used in a wide variety of sectors and on a huge range of projects.

Picking the best material for CNC

Published: 02/22

If the sheer amount of choice between the different materials for CNC machining leaves you confused, then find out how you can hone the number down to a more manageable shortlist in this blog.

Why 3D Print?

Published: 01/22

Over the handful of years that it’s been in use, 3D printing technology has come from a fringe technique to a process used by countless businesses across the world. If you aren’t familiar with the technology yet, it might be difficult to understand this rapid rise in both uptake and success.

Insight Podcast: Family Tooling and Multi-Cavity Moulds

Published: 12/21

In this episode, we talk you through some important injection moulding extras that may support your projects: family tooling and multi-cavity moulds.

MJF vs SLS 3D printing – A head-to-head comparison

Published: 12/21

At first glance the relatively new 3D printing technology Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) may appear to be a replacement for selective laser sintering (SLS) after all both build parts from thermoplastic nylon but MJF is faster, more precise and produces more consistent mechanical properties throughout the part. But don’t ditch SLS just yet it still has some advantages over this new kid on the block, it all depends on what you need your part for.

How to Design STL Files for 3D Printing in Your CAD Program

Published: 11/21

We know you have a range of CAD programs and file format options to choose from when designing and sharing your part designs. The STL file, short for stereolithography, is the primary CAD file format that’s used for additive manufacturing (3D printing) design projects. This tip covers how to effectively design 3D-printed parts for STL.

Protolabs’ One-stop Guide to Digital Manufacturing

Published: 11/21

​What is Digital Manufacturing? It’s the complete digital integration of automation and advanced technology throughout the manufacturing process – from the moment you upload a 3D CAD model to when we ship your physical parts out the door.

Fine-Tuning Tolerances for CNC Machined Parts

Published: 10/21

Over stringent tolerances may require secondary processes, which drive up costs. Tolerances that are too loose can foul on assembly. Understanding when and when not to use tolerances will optimise your designs: as standardised tolerances can improve quality, iterate quickly and reduce manufacturing costs.

Insight Podcast: DMLS Q&A Part 1

Published: 09/21

In this episode we answer your questions on DMLS with Tasos Pantelis, an Application Engineer at Protolabs and our 3D Champion for Europe. See below for a list of questions answered in this session:

Oilfield Services Sector Already Committing To ‘Green’ Energy, According To New Protolabs Report

Published: 09/21

The oilfield services sector is radically restructuring to survive in a world moving towards net-zero carbon emissions, according to a new industry report.

How to create greener parts

Published: 09/21

​Creating more sustainable or greener parts is a complex area that depends on a number of factors which sometime contradict each other. The first step is to understand these different elements and then you need to make a judgement call.

NEW REPORT REVEALS UK’S ELECTRIFICATION CHARGE COULD DELIVER £BILLION ‘RE-SHORING’ OPPORTUNITY

Published: 08/21

• 84% of UK companies surveyed are looking to bring parts of their supply chain closer to home over the next twelve months • 86% are planning on launching a new battery product or storage system in the same timeframe • 68% believe sustainability and the circular economy will drive the UK’s competitive advantage

Switching From Metal to Plastic

Published: 08/21

The manufacturing sector is constantly evolving and seeing new trends and practises develop. Among the most exciting of these is the relatively recent idea of designers replacing metal parts with injection-moulded plastic ones.

How to Use Multi Jet Fusion for Functional 3D-Printed Parts

Published: 07/21

Technology giant HP has developed and launched Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), an industrial-grade 3D printing technology that quickly and accurately produces functional prototypes and end-use parts for a variety of applications. Protolabs served as one of several test sites for this additive manufacturing process because of its experience in industrial 3D printing, and recently added HP Jet Fusion 3D 4200 printers to its suite of manufacturing tools. Here are several considerations to keep in mind when designing for MJF.

9 Cosmetic Defects and How to Avoid Them

Published: 06/21

As with any manufacturing process, injection moulding comes with its own set of design guidelines, and design engineers who understand these best practices will increase their chances of developing structurally sound and cosmetically appealing parts and products. Here are some common cosmetic defects that occur on plastic injection-moulded parts, and tips on how to avoid them.

Tips to Reduce Injection Moulding Costs

Published: 03/21

Everyone wants to save money on manufactured parts. It sounds simple, but one of the easiest ways to reduce price-per-piece cost in injection moulding is by increasing part quantity.

Why Material Science is Key to Part Interaction

Published: 02/21

Even a perfectly designed injection-moulded part can fail if manufactured from the wrong material, and with literally hundreds of thermoplastics and elastomers to choose from, it’s often difficult to know which ones will meet the application’s requirements. This is why a host of factors such as mechanical strength, chemical and ultraviolet light resistance, lubricity, wear resistance, and more must be carefully considered when selecting materials for injection moulding.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing 3D Printed Parts

Published: 01/21

Designers and engineers are increasingly turning to industrial-grade 3D printing (additive manufacturing) for high-quality prototypes and end-use production parts. And 3D printing options abound. At Protolabs, we offer five additive methods: direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), and PolyJet.

CPD accredited training programme: The Fundamentals Of Digital Manufacturing

Published: 12/20

Continuing Professional Development is important to you, which is why it’s important to us! To support your development, we have created a CPD accredited training programme covering the Fundamentals of Digital Manufacturing. Start your journey now!

How to reduce CNC machining costs

Published: 11/20

CNC machining keeps improving and advancing every year, and, therefore, gets a bit more complex each year. As a result, it can be challenging to keep pace with the dos and don'ts of part design. But lowering the cost of machined parts while improving functionality can still be achieved by a few relatively simple adjustments to your part design or material selection.

Thermoplastic vs. Thermoset

Published: 10/20

Two broad categories of plastic materials exist: thermoplastics and thermosets, which are differentiated based on their behaviours in the presence of heat. This design tip offers a few considerations to keep in mind when using these materials.

How to Design for Nylon 3D Printing

Published: 09/20

In industrial-grade 3D printing, part design lends itself to more freedom and the ability to produce complex geometries compared to part design using more traditional manufacturing processes. However, for 3D-printed nylon parts, there are five key considerations you should keep in mind to ensure selective laser sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) processes can produce the parts you are after.

Manufacturing Tool Kit for the Medical Industry

Published: 07/20

Eight ways to improve development of medical products and devices through design analysis, iterative prototyping, material considerations, and more

Insight: Measure Up For Success – Detailed Measurement And Inspection Reporting

Published: 05/20

Your masterclass in product design and development, each packed with useful tips to help save you time and money.

3D Printing Functional Parts with Selective Laser Sintering

Published: 05/20

SLS builds precise plastic parts for prototyping and low-volume production