Online 3D Printing Service
Get an instant 3D printing quote today. Choose from a range of materials for rapid prototyping and production. Lead times as fast as 1 day.
CERTIFICATIONS
ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D | ITAR Registered
3D Printing Processes
Our online 3D printing service consists of six 3D printing technologies to transform your 3D files into plastic, metal, and elastomeric parts. With more than 120 3D printers, we have unmatched capacity that reliably delivers parts within days. In addition to a broad material selection, we offer several post-processing options to improve cosmetics or enhance mechanical properties.
Metal 3D Printing
Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) uses a fiber laser system that draws onto a surface of atomized metal powder, welding the powder into fully dense metal parts.
Carbon DLS
Carbon DLS uses digital light projection, oxygen permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to produce plastic parts with excellent mechanical properties and surface finish.
Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) uses an ultraviolet laser that draws on the surface of liquid thermoset resin to create thousands of thin layers until final parts are formed.
PolyJet
PolyJet uses a jetting process where small droplets of liquid photopolymer are sprayed from multiple jets onto a build platform and cured in layers that form elastomeric parts.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective laser sintering (SLS) uses a CO2 laser that fuses nylon-based powder, layer by layer until final thermoplastic parts are built.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Multi Jet Fusion selectively applies fusing and detailing agents across a bed of nylon powder, which are fused in thousands of layers by heating elements into a solid functional component.
Compare 3D Printing Processes
New to our 3D printing service and not sure which additive technology is right for your 3D design? Compare the capabilities of each process below to see what fits your application's requirements.
| Materials | Max Part Size | Min Feature Size | Tolerances | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal 3D Printing | Aluminum Stainless Steel (17-4, 316L) Titanium Inconel Cobalt Chrome Copper |
9.6 in. x 9.6 in. x 13.0 in Inconel: 31.5 in. x 15.7 in. x 19.7 in. |
0.006 in. | ±0.003 in |
| Stereolithography | ABS Polycarbonate Polypropylene |
29 in. x 25 in. x 21 in. | 0.0025 in. | ±0.002 in. |
| Selective Laser Sintering | Nylons Polypropylene TPU |
19 in. x 19 in. x 17 in. | 0.030 in. | ±0.010 in. |
| Multi Jet Fusion | Nylons | 11.1 in. x 14.9 in. x 14.9 in. | 0.020 in. | ±0.012 in. |
| PolyJet | Elastomer (30A to 95A) | 19.3 in. x 15.4 in. x 7.9 in. | 0.012 in. | ±0.005 in. |
| Carbon DLS | ABS Polypropylene |
7.4 in. x 4.6 in. x 12.8 in. | 0.020 in. | ±0.010 in. |
| Materials | Max Part Size | Min Feature Size | Tolerances | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal 3D Printing | Aluminum Stainless Steel (17-4, 316L) Titanium Inconel Cobalt Chrome Copper |
245mm x 245mm x 330mm Inconel: 400mm x 800mm x 500mm |
0.1524mm | ±0.076mm |
| Stereolithography | ABS Polycarbonate Polypropylene |
127mm x 127mm x 63mm | 0.0634mm | ±0.0508mm |
| Selective Laser Sintering | Nylons Polypropylene TPU |
482mm x 482mm x 431mm | 0.762mm | ± 0.254mm |
| Multi Jet Fusion | Nylons |
281mm x 378mm x 378mm |
0.508mm | ±0.305mm |
| PolyJet | Elastomer (30A to 95A) | 490mm x 391mm x 200mm | 0.305mm | ±0.127mm |
| Carbon DLS | ABS Polypropylene |
89mm x 118mm x 326mm | 0.508mm | ±0.254mm |
Available 3D Printing Materials
"Great service at a fair price and the quality of my parts is fantastic. Keep up the great work.”
Our 3D Printing Service Includes Custom Finishing
Looking to boost the strength, clarity, or appearance of your 3D-printed parts? Choose from microfluidic and micro-resolution materials, metal plating, secondary machining, and custom finishes like painting, clear coating, and decaling
Clear Coat
Clear cosmetic finish that can be applied to ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) and PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) materials.
Painting
After smoothing the part with sanding and polishing, parts can be painted with automotive-grade paint. Provide a pantone color with your quote request. We also offer soft-touch painting.
Plating
Electroless nickel plating can be used to achieve parts that are similar to cast aluminum or magnesium.
Dyeing
Dyeing is another method for adding color to 3D prints. This is faster option with a limited color selection, so is a more cost-effective choice than painting.
Decaling
Decaling can be used to add a logo or other graphics to boost cosmetics or function.
Polishing
Heat Treatment
Harden and strengthen metal 3D prints with multiple heat treatment options: NADCAP heat treatment, hot isostatic pressing (HIP), solution annealing, and aging.
Machining
Machine metal 3D prints to achieve exceptional surface finish quality or meet tight tolerances.
Why Choose Protolabs for Custom 3D Printing?
Get an Instant 3D Printing Quote
Upload a 3D CAD file to get an instant quote on your 3D printing design. In our quoting platform, you can see real-time cost implications based on your choice of 3D printing material and resolution level.
If you have any questions regarding your quote or design, you can then work with our applications engineering team and they will help guide you through the process.