Better parts, faster with Protolabs Network & Protolabs
Combine the speed of Protolabs with the advanced capabilities of Protolabs Network to get the most out of digital manufacturing
Automated factories and network capabilities
In 2021, Protolabs acquired Protolabs Network to create the world’s most comprehensive online manufacturing platform. Whether you need local speed for prototyping or cost-competitive solutions for production at scale, our shared services cover all of your manufacturing needs.
About Protolabs
Protolabs is the leader in digital manufacturing since 1999, born from the idea of automating traditional manufacturing processes so that injection molded plastic parts were easier and faster to produce. It has 12 technology-enabled factories across Europe and the US, which manufacture commercial-grade plastic, metal and liquid silicone parts in as little as 1 day – the fastest lead time in the industry.
Protolabs has now added to its in-house production capabilities by giving customers all the benefits of our network, too. Their reinvented manufacturing model pairs Protolabs’ own digital factories with Protolabs Network's distributed supplier network so that engineers have more options. Together, Protolabs Network's and Protolabs’ combined offering result in more manufacturing capabilities, a greater choice of lead times and volume pricing.
“Our network of manufacturing partners complements our digital factories, allowing us to provide more complex and larger parts. Now we can better support high-requirement manufacturing projects, and our range of material and finishing options has broadened as well,” says Rob Bodor, President and CEO of Protolabs.
While we work with Protolabs on fully integrating your experience, you can already start taking advantage of our different services and expertise.
Order parts from Protolabs, or learn more about Protolabs Network.
When to choose Protolabs or Protolabs Network
Protolabs offers lightning-fast manufacturing with automated in-house machines. For geometrically simple, time-sensitive projects, such as quick-turn prototyping and low-volume production, Protolabs is the go-to solution.
Protolabs Network's digital network of suppliers offers expanded manufacturing capabilities for geometrically complex and cosmetically demanding parts with volume pricing on production orders.
Differences at a glance
| Protolabs Network | Protolabs | |
|---|---|---|
| CNC & IM lead times | As fast as 5 days | As fast as 1 day |
| 3DP lead time | As fast as 1 day | As fast as 1 day |
| Quoting | Instant | Within hours |
| ITAR | Unavailable | Yes |
| Volume | High-volume with price breaks | Low-volume with price breaks |
| Complex IM geometry | Available | Limited |
| Materials | Wide range of options | Wide range of options |
| Surface finishes | 35+ | 30+ |
| Place of production | Manufacturing partner | In-house factory |
Quick-turn parts and complex components with CNC machining
Protolabs Network
Tighter tolerances. Complex parts. Surface finishing at scale. Get a free, instant quote for up to 1,000 machined parts today with Protolabs Network.
Protolabs
With hundreds of CNC machines, Protolabs’ unmatched in-house digital factories ensure your parts are shipped on time, every single time. The AS9100-certified CNC machining facilities are designed for both rapid prototyping and low-volume production of end-use components.
CNC production
| Protolabs Network | Protolabs | |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest lead times | as fast as 5 days | as fast as 1 day |
| Materials | 80+ | 40+ |
| Surface finishes | 35+ | 8+ |
| Max. part size (machining) | 40 in. (1,000mm) | 22 in. x 14 in. x 3.75 in. (559mm x 356mm x 95.3mm) |
| Max. diameter/length (turning) | 17 in (431mm) x 39 in (990mm) | 3.95 in. (100.33mm) x 9 in. (228.6mm) |
| Tolerances | down to ±0.0008 in. (0.020mm) | down to ± 0.005 in. (0.13mm) |
Rapid prototypes and end-use parts with 3D printing
Protolabs Network
Choose from a wide material and color selection for repeatable additive parts with 3D printing at Protolabs Network. Get an instant quote and receive FDM parts within days.
Protolabs
Access in-house 3D printing technologies, more than 120 3D printers, and a broad material selection to manufacture and ship parts within days. Choose from several post-processing options to improve cosmetics or enhance mechanical properties.
SLA 3D printing
| Protolabs Network | Protolabs | |
|---|---|---|
| Lead times | as fast as 1 day | as fast as 1 day |
| Materials | 15+ | 30+ |
| Max. build size SLA*️ | 5.7 in. x 5.7 in. x 6.8 in. (145 × 145 × 175 mm) | 29 in. x 25 in. x 21 in. (736mm x 635mm x 533mm) |
| Dimensional accuracy SLA | ± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.15 mm (± 0.006 in) | 0.25 in. x 0.25 in (6.35mm x 6.35mm) |
| *️ We also offer FDM, MFJ & SLS. See our full 3D printing capabilities. |
Cost-efficient injection molding from low to high volumes
Protolabs Network
Get larger, and more complex parts in higher-volume production quantities. For more info on how to start your next project, contact your account manager.
Protolabs
Get affordable, high-quality molded parts and bridge tooling within days. With Protolabs’ free moldability consultation, you can accelerate the design and manufacturing process to get more consistent plastic and elastomeric parts within days. No minimum order quantity and access to aluminum tooling.
Injection molding
| Protolabs Network | Protolabs | |
|---|---|---|
| Lead times | as fast as 10 days | as fast as 1 day |
| Materials | 27+ | 100+ |
| Surface finishes | 12+ | 8+ |
| Dimensional accuracy | ± 0.5% with a lower limit of 0.0196 in. (± 0.5mm) | 0.25 in. x 0.25 in (6.35mm x 6.35mm) |
Production-grade sheet metal fabrication
Protolabs Network
Get small, production-grade sheet metal parts for demo prototypes, pre-production validation and small run series. Start sourcing custom sheet metal parts with high degrees of craftsmanship from Protolabs Network.
Protolabs
Access infinite capacity and an easy-to-use online quoting system, ensuring on-time shipment every time—whether you need a single part or 500 parts. Optimize part design with Protolabs’ team of mechanical engineers and online resources. Choose from finish options including welding, hardware insertion, powder coating, plating and more.
Sheet metal fabrication
| Protolabs Network | Protolabs | |
|---|---|---|
| Lead times | as fast as 5 days | as fast as 1 day |
| Materials | 6+ | 6+ |
| Surface finishes | 8+ | 5+ |
| Max. part size | 39.37 x 59.05 x 0.394 in (1000 x 1500 x 10 mm) | 39 in. x 47 in. (990.6mm x 1,193.8mm) |
FAQs
When will the Protolabs and Protolabs Network services be integrated?
You can already access Protolabs Network's service from the Protolabs quote builder and your account manager can split orders depending on which service matches your specific needs. We’ll share more information as we continue to integrate the two companies, so stay tuned by signing up to our monthly newsletter.
How do I know whether to use Protolabs Network or Protolabs?
Protolabs is ideal for less complex, time-sensitive projects, offering the fastest turnaround times in the market, as well as ITAR-certified parts. It’s perfect for prototyping and low-volume production. Protolabs Network is best when speed isn’t the main concern and can support full-scale production capabilities. Protolabs Network offers more capabilities, including tighter tolerances, more geometric complexity and additional technologies with many lead-time and pricing options.
Do I need two different accounts to use Protolabs and Protolabs Network?
For now, you will still need a separate log-in for Protolabs’ and Protolabs Network's quote builders.
How do I know if my part is quoted through Protolabs or Protolabs Network?
While we’re still operating independently, Protolabs and Protolabs Network will provide their own quotes. If you request a quote through Protolabs that isn’t manufacturable in their system, you can upload the file to our quote builder or contact your account manager to see if the part is a good fit for our network.
Should I consider Protolabs a different vendor than Protolabs Network?
We’re still operating as independent companies, so you should still treat the two companies as separate vendors. When our services become more integrated, you’ll be able to list Protolabs as your vendor, even if you source your parts via our network.
Do contracts and quality agreements that I’ve set up through Protolabs Network apply to Protolabs?
A signed NDA from Protolabs Network also applies to Protolabs. For a customer NDA or Master Service Agreement signed by Protolabs, it depends on the language of the document, and your legal team may need to decide if a Protolabs subsidiary (Protolabs Network in this case) is covered.
Who should I contact for the status of my order?
For now, if you’ve ordered parts from Protolabs Network or Protolabs, you should contact your account manager from the company you’ve ordered from. Both companies will provide standard updates on your order, and when our services are integrated, you’ll receive the same updates from Protolabs.
Who should I talk to for payment inquiries?
You can talk to your Protolabs Network or Protolabs account manager for any payment questions. They can route your questions to either company’s finance or accounting department if necessary.
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