The UK is the 8th largest manufacturing nation, however, the UK comes in at number 25 on the robot density league table. What are the barriers to adoption and what opportunities does robotics and automation open up? Joined by Mike Wilson from Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), our host Alex Edwards leads the conversation on the current state of robotics and automation in the UK, changing perspectives, and emerging technologies on the horizon. Items referenced in this episode: MTC Robotics MTC Robotics & Automation Conference MACH Automation & Robotics Knowledge Hub UK Automation ..read more

With the expected population of the UK to be 73.7 million by 2036 and increased pressure to reach net zero by 2050, how does the Agriculture industry fair when challenged with growing populations, climate change, sustainability goals and resource inefficiencies? Joined by Emilio Loo Monardez from WMG, our host Alex Edwards leads the conversation on the impact innovative technologies will have on the sector, and whether it will be enough. Items referenced in this episode: Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) Protolabs ⁠Subscribe to receive inspirON exchange podcast reminders ..read more

By definition, networking is “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts”, but in more recent times, has networking become a buzzword with no action? Joined by Richard Spears from PP Control & Automation and Rowan Crozier MBE from Brandauer, our host Alex Edwards leads the discussion on what networking means in 2024, how the UK compares to other countries, and what opportunities are available through collaboration within the manufacturing industry. Items referenced in this episode: Brandauer Brandauer Apprenticeship ..read more

In this episode, we discuss threading considerations when CNC Machining a part. The topics we will be talking through today are: What is a thread? Internal threads - process and factors to consider External threads - process and factors to consider Coil inserts Modelling threads in CAD Internal and external threads summary Considerations when designing a part that requires threading ..read more

This series of podcasts is aimed to help you design better parts for digital manufacturing. This is just one in a series of podcasts packed with useful tips that will hopefully save you some time and money. In this episode, we discuss design considerations for injection moulded parts, with a specific focus on overmoulding and insert moulding. The topics we will be talking through today are: Overmoulding: Process, method, material selection, considerations, and chemical and mechanical bonding Insert moulding: Process and method Why use overmoulding and insert moulding? For further reading ..read more

In this episode, we discuss essential design considerations when 3D printing your part. The topics we will be talking through today are: • Rapid prototyping with Stereolithography • Prototyping with PolyJet 3D printing • 3D printing fully functional parts with Selective Laser Sintering • How to use Multi Jet Fusion for functional 3D-printed parts • The basics of metal 3D printing part design Click here to access the white paper on 3D Printing Materials referred to in this podcast ..read more

This series of podcasts is aimed to help you design better parts for digital manufacturing. This is just one in a series of podcasts packed with useful tips that will hopefully save you some time and money. In this episode, we talk you through some important injection moulding extras that may support your projects: family tooling and multi-cavity moulds. For further reading, please see below links to the white papers referred to in this podcast: Liquid Silicone Rubber Designing for Mouldability: Complex Features ..read more

This series of podcasts is aimed to help you design better parts for digital manufacturing. This is just one in a series of podcasts packed with useful tips that will hopefully save you some time and money. In this episode, we discuss essential design considerations for CNC machined parts. The topics we will be talking through today are: • 6 ways to cut machining costs • Turning to Lathe for cylindrical parts • Moving between 3D printing and machining for plastic parts • Jigs, fixtures, and capacity relief Click here to read design essentials for Injection Moulding referred to in this podcast ..read more

This series of podcasts is aimed to help you design better parts for digital manufacturing. We will provide you useful tips to save time and money, as well as looking into case studies to support your own journey to part production. In this episode, we look at YXLON and their 3D Printing rhinoceros skull. YXLON worked with Protolabs to 3D print the skull using Stereolithography. You can also read the case study here ..read more

This series of podcasts is aimed to help you design better parts for digital manufacturing. This is just one in a series of podcasts packed with useful tips that will hopefully save you some time and money. 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 ..read more