Our Insight Podcast series aims to help you design better parts for digital manufacturing. We will provide you with useful tips to save time and money, as well as looking into case studies to support your own journey to part production.
Below is a recap of our latest podcasts, you can also view all of our podcasts on our website and through popular streaming services, including Apple, Google, and Spotify.
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Design Essentials for Injection Moulding
In this episode, we discuss essentials to consider when designing your injection moulded parts, covering the following topics:
- Cosmetic defects and how to avoid them
- Key design elements for rapid overmoulding
- How to build strength in to parts with insert moulding
Design to Prototype
In this episode, we discuss how Protolabs can help get your part from Design to Prototype. The topics we will be talking through today are:
- Choosing a 3D CAD program for moulding design
- Mastering ProtoQuote to create better parts
- Proper Resin Flow
- Application Engineers
- Selecting the right plastic for your parts
Case Study: Japet Medical Devices
In this episode, we look at Japet Medical Devices, a French start-up specialising in medical robotics, and how they worked with Protolabs on their "Atlas" exoskeleton.
Protolabs Q&A: DMLS
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:
- Could you give us a top level definition of DMLS and what it stands for?
- What kind of finish can I expect on a metal 3D printed part?
- Why would I use metal over plastic in 3D prinitng? What are the benefits?
- What kind of metal materials do you offer?
- Are there any post processes available for 3D printing?
- How do you select the right material?
- Can you see any future trends in metal 3D printing?
- Are there any immediate challenges I need to consider?
- Can the metal dust become flammable? If so, how can this be prevented?
- How strong are the metal 3D printed parts?
Get involved in future sessions by sending in your questions to [email protected] or use #ProtolabsQA.
Protolabs Q&A: DMLS Part 2
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:
- In general, where is a break even point between this process and standard machine items, in reference to the number of items produced?
- How much does the resolution setting effect component price?
- What is the maximum size/mass that can currently be made?
- What level of porosity is present in a DMLS part? are secondary operations required to achieve pressure tightness?
- Cost wise, how does the cost of DMLS compare to other rapid prototype methods such as SLA/SLS? is there a part size limit?
- Can a single part be printed with 2 or more materials in one go?
- I see that you are ISO-13485 certified for medical implants with a choice of two biocompatible materials. Is there any specific process you use for them to ensure biocompatibility?
- Where does post-machining come in on DMLS? Can you polish parts? How do you ensure consistency as well as accuracy?
- Are there methods to improve the finish during manufacture, for example, for internal curves and volumes?
- What advantages and disadvantages are there regarding DMLS, and a comparison to other methods such as EBM?
- Do you employ post-printing manufacturing methods to improve the properties of DMLS made components? For example, chemical etching, hot isostatic pressing (HIP), electroplating.
- What are the main challenges you see with 3D printing metals today, and the work being done at a company like Protolabs to overcome these challenges?
Get involved in future sessions by sending in your questions to [email protected] or use #ProtolabsQA.