The Digital Thread | Rapid Manufacturing Blog | Protolabs
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Your blog feed for digital manufacturing resources, in-depth features, and industry news.
June 22, 2026
[**MJF vs. FDM 3D Printing**
Compare MJF and industrial FDM to select the best additive manufacturing process for functional prototypes and production parts.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/mjf-vs-fdm-3d-printing/ "Read More"/index.html)
October 23, 2026
[**11 Tips for Faster Prototyping**
Here are 11 practical tips to help you get prototypes in your hands sooner and keep product development moving.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/11-tips-for-faster-prototyping/index.html)
September 25, 2026
[**Stiffness vs. Strength: Definitions & Comparisons for Better Performing Parts**
Compare material stiffness and strength and understand how each affects part performance.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/stiffness-vs-strength-definitions-comparisons-for-better-performing-parts/index.html)
September 24, 2026
[**What Is a Polyamide? Common Types and Manufacturing Applications**
Explore polyamide properties, grades, manufacturing processes, and applications.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/what-is-a-polyamide-common-types-and-manufacturing-applications/index.html)
September 24, 2026
[**How Small Batch Production Helps you Scale on Demand**
The benefits of manufacturing in smaller runs and building part inventory as you need it.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/how-small-batch-production-helps-you-scale-on-demand/index.html)
August 27, 2026
[**What Is G Code? CNC Programming and How It Works**
Learn what G code is, how CNC programming works, and how good part design improves machining.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/what-is-g-code-cnc-programming-and-how-it-works/index.html)
August 25, 2026
[**Soft vs. Hard Tooling: Injection Molding Comparison Guide**
Compare aluminum and steel injection molds to choose the right tooling for your production volume, budget, and timeline.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/soft-vs-hard-tooling/index.html)
August 20, 2026
[**CNC Hole Design: Through, Blind, Tapped, and More**
Learn to design CNC machining holes for accuracy, manufacturability, and cost-effective production.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/cnc-hole-design-through-blind-tapped-and-more/index.html)
July 9, 2026
[**3D Printing and Customized Medical Implants**
3D printing is making major inroads into customising medical implants for individuals. It allows implant manufacturers and sometimes even hospitals to create complex geometries and patient specific solutions that saves the surgeon time and improves a patient’s outcome.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/3d-printing-medical-implants/index.html)
May 29, 2026
[**3D Printing is Making Patient Anatomy Easier to Visualize**
Discover how 3D printed anatomical models help healthcare teams visualize anatomy, improve training, and prepare for procedures.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/3d-printed-anatomical-models-in-healthcare/index.html)
May 26, 2026
[**How 3D Printing Is Transforming Medical Tool and Equipment Production**
How additive manufacturing helps create custom medical tools faster and more efficiently.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/3d-printed-medical-tools-and-equipment/index.html)
May 11, 2026
[**Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) for Injection Moulding**
Thermoplastic elastomers come in a variety of formulations, and each is unique in its own way. That makes picking the right one an important task among many when you are designing your parts.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/tpe-injection-molding/index.html)
April 15, 2026
[**Lighter by Design: How Optimized Materials Reduce Commercial UAV Weight**
For commercial UAVs, every gram matters. Less mass means longer endurance, higher payload capacity, crisper stability, and better overall performance.
By Protolabs
Read More](/content/resources/blog/reducing-commercial-drone-weight/index.html)