Proto Labs launched additive manufacturing service

Proto Labs has expanded its production facility in Telford, with the addition of an additive manufacturing service for custom prototyping

Together with its CNC machining and injection moulding services, Proto Labs can now help designers and engineers take a product from the initial stages of prototyping through to low-volume production.

Proto Labs’ additive manufacturing service can produce parts in sizes up to 736mm by 635mm by 533mm, using a selection of thermoplastic-like materials that mimic ABS and polypropylene..

Lee Ball, Proto Labs’ operations director, said: “We are excited to be able to offer this new additive manufacturing service to our customers in Europe.

“When compared with the commonly available fused deposition modelling (FDM) processes that are popular with hobbyists, stereolithography  (SL) offers a vastly improved level of resolution, accuracy and surface finish. SL can build parts with a layer thickness of 25 microns (0.0250mm) compared with the typical, entry-level FDM layer thickness of around 127 microns (0.127mm).”

“Fast-moving businesses demand expertise, scalability and a quick turnaround of products to stay ahead of the competition. Professional additive manufacturing will allow companies to accelerate product development and turn ideas into real products in a matter of days.”