On February 22, 2023, Mohou.com learned that digital manufacturer Protolabs (PRLB) announced the launch of a new feature under its online quoting platform, which is to provide instant analysis services of the design (DfAM) to users of 3D printing parts.
△Users can now get DfAM technical support on the online platform protolabs.com
This new feature can help customers quickly understand whether their design is suitable for additive manufacturing and whether any issues will arise during the manufacturing process before submitting a 3D printing order. This will help customers better optimize their designs, improve print success rates, shorten production cycles and reduce costs.
△3D printed parts from Protolabs
Extensive real-time online analytics services
“Protolabs was one of the first digital manufacturing companies to automate manufacturability analysis of cast and machined parts, a tool that has quickly become indispensable for our customers in their iterative design processes,” said Oleg Ryaboy, technology director at Protolabs Tools. We are excited to expand our manufacturability suite design to 3D printing so customers can enjoy the same speed and cost reduction.
Now, the company says, DfAM analytics can handle parts uploaded online for all of the company’s plastic and metal 3D printing technologies. She will help the team’s engineers send quotes to users, including analyzing for them issues related to thin walls, minimum gaps and. Recommendations for exceeding the maximum print size limit. Protolabs further said that this launch expands the capabilities of the company’s automated DfAM service, while the technology is also available through its digital network of manufacturing partners in the hubs.
“Our DfAM capabilities significantly enhance the 3D printing quoting experience, allowing customers to easily engage with our broad range of technology offerings,” said Rob Bodor, President and CEO of Protolabs. “I am pleased with the customer’s initial response.
△Example of injection molded 3D printed parts from Protolabs
Convenient services are a bigger driver
Protolabs specializes in 3D printing, injection molding, CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication. The company says it works with 55,000 customers each year on a variety of projects, including medical device manufacturing, spare parts for space exploration, electric vehicle development and sustainable energy.
The company’s revenue has consistently increased between fiscal year 2021 and 2022. Even in the third quarter of 2022, the company’s net revenue stood at $121.7 million. Protolabs is therefore considered one of the fastest manufacturers of custom prototypes and on-demand production parts.
△Metal powder bed fusion chamber from Protolabs
The company said adding design and production capabilities in 3D printing is part of a broader effort to bring more manufacturing opportunities to customers in 2023.
It is reported that Protolabs now also offers 3D printing silicone in different hardness levels. The material is 100% pure silicone, is biocompatible and can operate within a certain temperature range. The company also launched a steam smoothing solution for select materials earlier this year.
Source: Antarctic Bear
Daguang focuses on providing solutions such as precision CNC machining services (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis machining), CNC milling, 3D printing and rapid prototyping services.
