PRLB

Proto Labs, Inc. operates as a digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and low-volume production parts. Headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota, the company serves product developers and engineers across North America, Europe, and Japan through its automated quoting and manufacturing platform. Proto Labs offers multiple manufacturing services including injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication, delivering parts in as fast as one day. The company processes customer-uploaded 3D CAD models through proprietary software that provides instant design feedback and pricing, enabling rapid turnaround times that differentiate it from traditional manufacturing. Proto Labs operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, serving over 50,000 product developers annually across diverse industries including medical devices, automotive, consumer products, and electronics. The company employs approximately 2,800 people globally and generates annual revenue exceeding $450 million. In 2021, Proto Labs acquired AKRON, a German digital manufacturing company, expanding its European footprint and additive manufacturing capabilities. The company continues to invest in automation technology and machine learning to enhance its digital manufacturing platform. Proto Labs competes in the on-demand manufacturing market by emphasizing speed, quality, and its self-service online interface that eliminates traditional sales processes and reduces time-to-market for customer products.