The Upload

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

Latest Posts

Inspecting a part
Quality
April 11, 2025

Using First Article Inspection (FAI) for Part Quality, Consistency at Speed

Use digital manufacturing which can include scientific molding processes, combined with specific quality assurance and control methods, to produce parts rapidly and consistently.
By Perry Haislet, Jimmy Spaight
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supply chain image
Global Supply Chain
April 9, 2025

Navigating the Tariff Landscape with Protolabs

Protolabs would like to address the recent news regarding the implementation of new tariffs and to reassure you of our readiness and capability to navigate these changes successfully.
By Rob Bodor
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quality control processes
Quality
March 27, 2025

What is PPAP in Manufacturing?

Understand the role of PPAP in manufacturing quality assurance
By Protolabs
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Approved Vendor List
Supply Chain
January 16, 2025

Checking the Boxes on Your Approved Vendor List

11 reasons why Protolabs should be on your Approved Vendor List (AVL).
By Protolabs
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DMLS 3D-Printed Parts
3D Printing
January 3, 2025

Metal 3D Printing vs. Traditional Casting: Comparing Benefits and Use Cases

The differences between casting and DMLS are quite stark, compare the two technologies to find out what works best for your applications.
By Chloe Vollaro
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Injection Molding Facility
Injection Molding
November 25, 2024

Rapid Injection Molding: Fast Tooling for Quick-Turn Parts

Tips for getting fast injection-molded parts and get to market faster
By Michael Johnson
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bridge production manufacturing
digital manufacturing
November 21, 2024

What is Bridge Production?

Go-to-market faster and keep initial production costs low.
By Protolabs
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Designing a 3DP CAD Model
3D CAD
November 7, 2024

Turning CAD Models into 3D-Printed Parts

Evaluating build direction, support structures, radii placement and wall thickness to optimize printed part.
By Eric Utley
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Threading insert
Tech Tips
October 29, 2024

Threading in 3D Printing: Heat Set and Press Fit Inserts, Tapping

Threading 3D printed parts takes a bit of know-how. Your choices revolve around the part's material and whether you want to print the threads or use an insert.
By Protolabs
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A person inspecting a high-precision aluminum mold
Tech Tips
September 6, 2024

Aluminum Mold Tooling for Injection Molding

Understand the benefits and applications of aluminum mold tooling.
By Ben Wilson
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Example of 3+2 machining
CNC
August 26, 2024

What is 3+2 Axis CNC Machining?

Increasing the number of axes in which a mill operates can significantly reduce the time it takes to manufacture parts. That’s where 3+2 machining comes in.
By Protolabs
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Woman running on a blue track
Digital Manufacturing
August 14, 2024

Adaptive Athlete Noelle Lambert to Compete in Paris Paralympic Games

BioDapt’s prosthetics allow adaptive athletes to continue doing what they love by using custom machined parts from Protolabs.
By Protolabs
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