Introduction to Protolabs
Protolabs, founded in 1999, is a pioneering digital manufacturing company that specializes in providing custom parts and solutions for product developers, engineers, and procurement professionals worldwide. With its innovative approach and cutting-edge technologies, Protolabs has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, offering rapid prototyping and low-volume production services to a wide range of industries.
History and Vision
Protolabs was founded by entrepreneur Larry Lukis, who developed complex software that automated the manufacturing process, significantly reducing the time needed to produce injection-molded plastic prototypes. Over the years, the company has expanded its capabilities, adding quick-turn CNC machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication services to its suite of digital manufacturing offerings.
Protolabs‘ vision is to accelerate innovation by revolutionizing manufacturing, while its mission is to empower companies to bring new ideas to market by offering the fastest and most comprehensive digital manufacturing service in the world.
Manufacturing Services
Protolabs offers a wide range of manufacturing services, including:
- Injection Molding: Providing affordable, high-quality molded parts and bridge tooling within days, with a free moldability consultation to save customers time and money.
- CNC Machining: Offering precision machining capabilities with tight tolerances and volume pricing through its manufacturing network, delivering parts in as fast as 1 day.
- 3D Printing: Providing a wide range of additive manufacturing technologies, including metal 3D printing, SLA, SLS, and FDM, using 30 plastic and metal materials in various finishes.
- Sheet Metal Fabrication: Offering quick-turn production and finishing options for up to 500 quality sheet metal parts in days, with instant quotes and interactive manufacturability feedback.
Global Presence and Partnerships
Protolabs operates in the United States and Europe, with facilities in Maple Plain, Minnesota, and Telford, Shropshire, UK. The company has also expanded its global reach through strategic partnerships, such as its acquisition of Rapid Manufacturing in 2017, which brought sheet metal fabrication capabilities into its suite of services.
In 2021, Protolabs added a global manufacturing network powered by Hubs, which was rebranded as Protolabs Network in 2024. This network includes more than 250 highly vetted manufacturing partners around the world, providing customers with a wider range of advanced capabilities, improved cost-efficiencies, and higher part quantities.
Certifications and Quality Standards
Protolabs is committed to delivering high-quality products and services, as evidenced by its certifications and quality standards. The company is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified, and is also ITAR registered, ensuring compliance with international traffic in arms regulations.
Customer Support and Resources
Protolabs offers a range of support and resources to assist customers throughout their manufacturing journey. The company provides free interactive manufacturability analysis with every quote, and applications engineers are available to answer questions and provide guidance on project-specific concerns.
Additionally, Protolabs offers a variety of educational resources, including guides on plastic manufacturing, metal 3D printing materials, and cost-saving design tips for 3D printing.
Conclusion
Protolabs is a leading digital manufacturing company that has transformed the industry with its innovative approach to rapid prototyping and low-volume production. With its wide range of manufacturing services, global presence, and commitment to quality and customer support, Protolabs continues to drive innovation and help companies bring their ideas to life faster than ever before.