Protolabs

Protolabs is a manufacturing company that makes custom parts for prototypes and for full production. It offers injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing and sheet metal fabrication. Customers ask for a quote online or talk with a production expert. The company was founded in 1999. It started by using software to speed up the making of molded prototypes. Over the next years it added CNC machining, 3D printing and sheet metal work. It later started Protolabs Network, a group of manufacturing partners around the world. The site says its own digital factories make low volume parts in days.

Each service has its own details. Injection molding covers runs of up to 100,000 or more parts, with more than 100 plastic, elastomer and silicone rubber materials. CNC machined parts can ship in as fast as one day. The 3D printing service offers seven additive technologies, including metal printing, SLA, SLS and FDM. Sheet metal work includes six materials and finishing such as welding, powder coating and silk screening.

The site names these quality credentials: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, AS9100D and ITAR. The contact form asks whether parts are subject to ITAR or other export restrictions. It lists facilities in Minnesota, New Hampshire and North Carolina for North American customers.

A procurement page explains how the company helps supply chain teams. It offers no minimum order quantities and quick deliveries. The site also has a quote tool with design feedback, a materials guide, a careers page and a contact form.