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Manufacturing for Low-Volume Production Parts
Our automated manufacturing processes enable on-demand, low-volume production parts
Certifications ISO 9001:2015 | ISO 13485 | AS9100D
A Bridge from Prototyping to Production
Low-volume production offers a range of advantages as a process that fits neatly between rapid prototyping and mass production stages phases of the product life cycle. Our automated manufacturing processes and global network of suppliers provides an unmatched supply chain solution for low-volume production parts. Often used as a link between stages in a product’s life cycle, there are many benefits of low-volume production:
- Quality at speed
- Increased supply chain flexibility
- Minimised inventory risk
- Reduced upfront manufacturing costs
- Simplified and accelerated product testing
Manufacturing Processes for Low-Volume Production
Injection Moulding
Get affordable, high-quality moulded parts and bridge tooling within days. With our free mouldability consultation, the design and moulding process is rapidly accelerated to save you time and money.
- Low-volume moulding up to 100,000+ parts with volume pricing available—no MOQ required
- 100+ plastic, elastomeric, and silicone rubber materials
- Automated CMM for fast, in-house quality documentation
CNC Machining
Leverage the same speed, precision, and reliability in machining that you’re accustomed to at Protolabs but unlock advanced machining capabilities like tighter tolerances and volume pricing through our manufacturing network.
- Machined parts in as fast as 1 day with optional plating and anodizing in as fast as 4 days
- Cost-efficient machined parts at higher volumes
- Tolerances down to ±0.001 in. (0.020mm) through our digital network, with tighter tolerances available upon request
3D Printing
Want quality parts and additive expertise at a single 3D printing source? Choose from seven different additive manufacturing technologies for cost-effective prototyping and highly precise, repeatable production parts.
- Additive technologies include metal 3D printing, SLA, SLS, FDM, and more
- 30 plastic and metal materials in a range of finishes
- 25 years of additive manufacturing expertise
Benefits of Low-Volume Production
Bridge Production
Bridge production, or bridge manufacturing, is an important step during the product development life cycle that allows you to test critical parts before committing to larger production quantities.
- Get quality parts to market fast with low-volume production
- reduce financial risk with no minimum order quantity (MOQ)
- Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) with affordable tooling
On-Demand Production
With on-demand production, you can get quality parts in days to accelerate speed to market, react fast to volatile demand, and reduce your overall financial risk along the way.
- Build agility into supply chain with quick-turn parts as needed
- Use as supplier safety net in line-down situations
- Implement batch production to mitigate financial risk
Short-Term Production
You can tap into low-volume production for any immediate short-term needs of end-use parts like jigs, fixtures, and industrial components, or reduce cost towards the end of the product life cycle.- Streamline factory assembly work with durable jigs and fixtures
- Eliminate equipment downtime with quick-turn MRO components
- Manage inventory levels towards end of product life cycle
Low-Volume Production Materials
Quality Measures for Low-Volume Production
Our industry-standard procedures and certifications guarantee quality and regulatory compliance.
| CMM inspection report | First Article Inspection (FAI) |
| Dimensional Inspection Report (DIR) | Prop65 |
| Material Certificates + Certificate of Analysis | Conflict Minerals Reporting |
| REACH + RoHS Certificates | AS 9100 via Protolabs Network |
| Certificate of Conformance (CoC) | Manufacturing partners in our network certified with PPAP, ISO 13485 |
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Low-Volume Production Resources
