Recent technological advances such as additive manufacturing and even the Internet of Things are spurring renewed interest in manufacturing. While machining and injection molding offer a solid base for making parts, industries are seeing new … [Read more...] about Protolabs works with MIT to develop better manufacturing technology
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Novel ear care medical device wins Protolabs Cool Idea! Award
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...] about Novel ear care medical device wins Protolabs Cool Idea! Award
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...] about Injection molding helps inventors meet accelerated timeline
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...] about How to take advantage of additive manufacturing’s continuing advancements
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...] about How a music tech startup conquered the production challenge
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...] about How to build a robotic exoskeleton with digital manufacturing
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...] about Make it custom
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...] about Replica Black Panther mask shows how 3D printing will alter packaging design
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...] about For prototyping and production, you have choices with injection molding
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...] about Best practices when working with Stereolithography