Every year more than 12 million Americans visit their physicians for impacted earwax removal. This condition occurs when enough earwax accumulates to cause symptoms such as pain, fullness, itching, odor, tinnitus, discharge, cough, or hearing loss. … [Read more...]
Injection molding helps inventors meet accelerated timeline
A Minneapolis-based startup has developed a “personal malt-house” for those who enjoy home brewing beer. This personal malt-house, the Acro, is from Sprowt Labs. Home and craft brewers have not had a large assortment of home breweries to choose … [Read more...]
How to take advantage of additive manufacturing’s continuing advancements
Because Protolabs offers a number of digital manufacturing services, the staff track the continuing advancements in additive manufacturing (also known as industrial 3D printing), injection molding, machining, and materials. Additive manufacturing, in … [Read more...]
How a music tech startup conquered the production challenge
Driven by a successful Kickstarter campaign, Boulder, Colorado-based, connected-musical applications company Specdrums had a challenge on its hands. With orders in the queue, the growing company needed production help – they needed it fast, and in a … [Read more...]
How to build a robotic exoskeleton with digital manufacturing
When Parker Hannifin CEO Don Washkewicz challenged his team to explore the future of the company seven years ago, the team explored robotic devices, such as a robotic exoskeleton, for medical applications. Parker has key core competencies in motion … [Read more...]
Make it custom
Digital manufacturing practices can help product makers meet consumer expectations for customization, faster delivery and frequent product updates “You can have any color, as long as it’s black.” The mass production approach to manufacturing that … [Read more...]
Replica Black Panther mask shows how 3D printing will alter packaging design
As the “Black Panther” premiere drew near, PepsiCo put the finishing touches on a special promotional kit and sent it out to hundreds of online influencers and others involved with the creation of the movie. Developed by PepsiCo and Marvel Studios, … [Read more...]
For prototyping and production, you have choices with injection molding
Rapid injection molding works best for on-demand production, bridge tooling, pilot runs, and functional prototyping. There are several options for injection molding, with aluminum a popular choice as a material for the molds. Probably one of the … [Read more...]
Best practices when working with Stereolithography
Eric Utley, Applications Engineer, Proto Labs, Inc. Engineers have several options for their prototyping needs; machining, injection molding, and additive manufacturing. Each has benefits, drawbacks, and cost metrics. Of the multiple additive … [Read more...]
What’s the right material for SL or injection molding applications?
Tony Holtz, applications engineer, Proto Labs Inc. The range of choices available for a prototype or production process can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting a material for either stereolithography (SL) or … [Read more...]