3D Hubs and Protolabs join forces to create the world’s most comprehensive manufacturing portfolio
Why engineers use 3D Hubs for rapid prototyping
Stop going back-and-forth with prototyping suppliers. Our online quoting and ordering platform eliminates slow and antiquated processes, helping you reduce development cycles and increase the speed at which projects are delivered.
We have everything you need for all your prototypes, from concept validation, assembly and fit testing, functional and environmental testing and manufacturability testing.
Many manufacturing services
No more switching suppliers as your prototyping needs evolve. We have all the rapid proototyping technologies you need in one place.
- 3D Printing
- CNC Machining
- Rapid Tooling for Injection Molds
- Hundreds of materials and surfaces finishes
Instant quotes, fast lead times
No more waiting on RFQs. Our rapid prototyping quotes are instant and update in real time as you adjust production paramaters.
- Create and finalise your own quotes online in minutes
- See bulk prices and lead times up front
- Free shipping on 3D printing and CNC machining orders
- Instantly compare prices across technologies and materials
Automated DfM feedback
Stop designing perfect parts that aren’t manufacturable. Our automated, real-time DfM feedback helps you make early adjustments before you even place an order.
- Integrate DfM into your workflow from day 1
- 3D Printing: Intricate details, hard to remove support, thin walls
- CNC Machining: Sharp corners, hard to remove volume, thin walls
Simple quote saving, editing and sharing
Keeping track of quotes can be a nightmare. Our platform makes it simple, fast and convenient, removing a lot of the friction associated with managing traditional suppliers.
- Never search for quotes in your mailbox again
- Share, download and manage your quotes in one place
Online order management and delivery tracking
No more logging in on multiple order tracking and delivery platforms to check progress. Our platform helps save time on administrative tasks.
- Follow the production of your order online
- Automated email notifications at each stage of production and delivery
See a sample rapid prototyping quote
Our Rapid Prototyping Capabilities
SLS rapid prototyping service
SLS is great for functional prototypes of plastic parts requiring good mechanical properties.
| Standard capabilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Maximum build size | 300 x 300 x 300 mm (11.8” x 11.8” x 11.8”) |
| Standard lead time | 6 business days |
| Dimensional accuracy | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012”) |
| Layer thickness | 100 μm |
SLA rapid prototyping service
SLA is most suitable for visual applications where an injection mold-like, smooth surface finish, and a high level of feature detail are required.
| Standard capabilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Maximum build size | 145 × 145 × 175 mm (5.7" x 5.7" x 6.8") |
| Standard lead time | 6 business days |
| Dimensional accuracy | ± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.15 mm (± 0.006") |
| Layer height | 25-100 um |
FDM rapid prototyping service
FDM is suitable for prototyping for form-fit testing. It is the most affordable 3D printing technology and available in 12 different materials.
| Standard capabilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Maximum build size | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68'' x 19.68'' x 19.68'')* |
| Standard lead time | 4 business days |
| Dimensional accuracy | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.5 mm (0.0196'') |
| Layer height | 100-300 μm |
| Infill | 20-100% |
- The maximum build size for Carbon-filled Nylon (Onyx) is 320 mm x 132 mm x 154 mm
More 3D Printing rapid prototyping services
We offer a total of six different 3d pinting technologies for rapid prototyping, from low-cost & extremely fast technolgies, to technologies better suited for functional testing.
| Standard capabilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Fast, low-cost prototyping | FDM, SLA and Polyjet |
| Functional prototyping | SLS, MJF and DMLS |
| Materials | 39 metals and plastics |
| Standard lead times | 4-9 days |
CNC rapid prototyping
CNC machining is the best rapid prototyping option for simple, metal parts, especially when dimensional accuracy is critical.
| Standard capabilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Processes | Milling (3-, 4- & 5-axis) and turning |
| Materials | 35 metals and plastics, plus we’re always adding new ones |
| Finishes | Smoothed, bead-blasted, anodized, powder-coated, electropolished, brushed and more |
| Tolerances | Down to +/-.0008” (0.020mm) |
| Minimum order | $150USD |
| Lead times | 5-15 days |
Rapid prototyping for injection molding
We offer rapid tooling with aluminium molds, which are much fster to produce that steel molds.
| Standard capabilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Molds | Single cavity, multi-cavity, molds with side-action cores, family molds, insert molding, overmolding |
| Mold Materials | Aluminum |
| Injection Materials | 12 plastics |
| Additives & Fibers | UV absorbers, Flame retardants, Plasticizers, Colorants, Carbon fibers, Glass fibers |
| SPI finishes | A1-3, B1-3, C1-3, D1-3 |
| Minimum order | 100 parts + tooling cost |
| Lead times | 2-3 weeks |
Get an instant rapid prototyping quote for injection molding
Get an instant rapid prototyping quote