Building Bright Ideas

Proto Labs uses proprietary computing technologies and automated manufacturing systems to produce custom prototypes and low-volume production parts in as fast as one day. We offer plastic, metal and liquid silicone rubber (LSR) parts through three distinct services: injection molding, CNC machining and additive manufacturing.

We blend automated design analysis on interactive quotes with accessible, live customer service engineers to help product designers and engineers arrive at the best possible 3D CAD model before any actual production begins. When a part is ready, digital instructions are sent to one of hundreds of in-house presses, mills, lathes and printers where we have the capacity to manufacture one design, or multiple designs simultaneously, without delays.

Proto Labs is a tech-driven, global manufacturer with production facilities in the United States, Europe and Japan. Customers from around the world can upload 3D CAD models, day or night, online for a quote within hours. Our website is filled with additional resources like design guidelines and tips, material selection, comprehensive white papers and other helpful content.

Proto Labs offers a wide variety of manufacturing and design services. Image courtesy of Proto Labs.

Injection Molding

For customers who need low-volume production or bridge tooling, we can injection mold 25 to 10,000+ parts from hundreds of thermoplastic, liquid silicone rubber and stainless steel materials, in three weeks or less. That’s a fraction of the time and cost of traditional mold manufacturers to produce custom parts across all industries.

CNC Machining

CNC machining can manufacture parts in as fast as the day they were ordered with engineering-grade plastic and metal materials for improved selection, part functionality and cosmetic appearance. We employ both three-axis milling and turning. Our three-axis milling process allows for milling from up to six orthogonal sides of the part to machine as many features as possible. Our turning process includes live tooling to create off-axis holes, flats, slots and grooves. Final milled and turned parts are used as high-quality prototypes, jigs, fixtures, one-offs and in end-use applications.

Additive Manufacturing

Our additive manufacturing service offers three rapid prototyping processes: stereolithography (SL), selective laser sintering (SLS) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Whether small parts with precise geometries or large, highly detailed patterns are needed, Proto Labs provides another option during early prototyping. Get low quantities of SL, SLS and DMLS prototypes built in as fast as one day.

Interactive Quoting

The root of Proto Labs’ process automation lies within our interactive quoting. Our automated system accepts customers’ 3D CAD models and returns a detailed interactive quote within hours that contains free manufacturability analysis on parts as well as real-time pricing information that adjusts to quantity, material and turnaround time modifications. The design analysis addresses any potential molding and machining issues upfront, before production begins, allowing for quick iterations that save time and money. Once a design is ready and a customer submits an order, parts can be completed and shipped in one to 15 days.

Markets

Proto Labs is focused on providing product designers and engineers with fast, reliable and inexpensive ways to obtain low volumes of parts based on their 3D CAD design. We have a variety of processes that are used by those developing and producing parts for many industries, particularly automotive, medical, lighting, consumer product and aerospace segments.

Corporate History

Proto Labs began in 1999 as The ProtoMold Company, which specialized in the quick-turn manufacturing of custom plastic injection-molded parts. In 2007, the company introduced its CNC machining service, and soon after changed the corporate name to Proto Labs, Inc. Since that time, Proto Labs has opened facilities in Japan (2009) and Europe (2011), gone public on the New York Stock Exchange (2012) and added rapid additive manufacturing as a third flagship service.

More Info

• Proto Labs