The additional capabilities stem from Maple Plain, Minn.-based Protolab’s $280-million acquisition of 3D Hubs Inc. (now called Hubs) in 2021.
Hubs is a digital network of manufacturers that offer CNC machining, injection molding and 3D printing services, which contracts the low-volume, on-demand manufacturing services already available from Protolabs.
“Over the past few years, we’ve talked with thousands of customers around the world,” said Rob Bodor, President and CEO at Protolabs. “Many still require quick-turn parts to support their new product innovation or to address supply disruptions. However, a common sentiment in many of these conversations has been the need for cost-efficient parts for volume production in a time when many have reduced budgets. Our digital network addresses that need.”
With the Hubs offerings now fully integrated, here’s a look at some of the new capabilities on Protolabs’ menu:
CNC machining: Tolerances down to +/- 0.001 in. (0.020mm) are now achievable. Plating (black oxide, nickel), anodizing (Type II, Type III), and chromate coating are available in larger quantities. Parts sizes can range from as large as 40 in. (1,000mm) to as small as 0.02 in. (0.5mm). Part volumes are now in the thousands.
Injection molding: High requirement molding projects in need of larger and deeper parts (47.24 in. x 27.56 in. x 11.81 in.; 1,200mm x 700mm x 300mm) and more complex parts.
3D printing: Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing is available via the network for rapid prototyping of cost-efficient parts. This is in addition to Protolabs’ six other plastic and metal additive manufacturing technologies offered through its digital factories.
“This is a step change in what we can offer customers at Protolabs,” said Greg Thompson, the company’s global product director of machining. “As we’ve grown into a more robust prototyping-to-production provider, customers who need parts quickly, with precision, and tailored to their specific design requirements now have a single supplier to accomplish that.”
Access for CNC machining services is managed through protolabs.com, while it’s expanded injection molding and 3D printing FDM options are handled directly through hubs.com.