Prototype Manufacturing
Reduce design risk, iterate faster, and accelerate development with automated prototype manufacturing
Certifications ISO 9001:2015 | ISO 13485 | AS9100D | ITAR
From Concept Models to Functional Parts
Prototyping is a key stage early in product development that helps mitigate design risk. Prototype parts are routinely used for gaining stakeholder buy-in, acquiring user feedback, and testing in end-use environments. Our automated manufacturing processes enable you to move from quoting to manufacturing effortlessly, quickly providing you parts in-hand and reducing the time between ideation and product launch.
- Online quoting with free DFM feedback
- Hundreds of elastomers, metals, and plastics
- Quick-turn prototypes within 1 day
Manufacturing Processes for Prototyping
Injection Molding
Get affordable, high-quality molded parts and bridge tooling within days. With our free moldability consultation, the design and molding process is rapidly accelerated to save you time and money.
- Low-volume molding 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
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
Sheet Metal Fabrication
From easy quoting to quick-turn production and finishing options, get up to 500 quality sheet metal parts in your hands in days from a single supplier.
- Instant quotes with interactive manufacturability feedback
- Six sheet metal materials including aluminum, stainless steel, steel, brass, and copper
- Finishing options from welding and hardware insertion to powder coating and silk screening
Prototyping Across Development Stages
Concept Models
Early-stage concept models are a critical initial step in the product development process. While parts may not be suitable for functional use, these low-cost, quick-to-manufacture parts are invaluable.
- Gain feedback from users and stakeholders
- Accelerate decision making
- Quickly iterate at low cost
Functional Prototypes
Fully functional prototype parts can be used to validate design assumptions and identify any design flaws to refine product design. This stage of product development ensures part design meets final specifications.
- Assess ergonomics and usability
- Validate tolerances and assembly feasibility
- Test out materials and finishes
Validation and Testing
Products often undergo a variety of testing to ensure parts can withstand real-world conditions by simulating long-term wear, UV exposure, extreme temperatures, and mechanical stress. This critical pre-production phase improves product reliability and ensures compliance with industry standards.
- Improve product reliability
- Validate performance over time
- Ensure compliance and safety
Prototyping Materials
Quality Measures for the Medical Industry
Our industry-standard procedures and certifications guarantee quality and regulatory compliance.
| CMM inspection report | First Article Inspection (FAI) |
| Dimensional Inspection Report (DIR) | PPAP |
| Material Certificates + Certificate of Analysis | Conflict Minerals Reporting |
| REACH + RoHS Certificates | Prop65 |
| Certificate of Conformance (CoC) | Industry Certifications: ISO 9001, AS 9100, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO TS16949 |
 |
 |
 |
Prototyping Resources
