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Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Service
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5540 Pioneer Creek Dr.
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United StatesP: 877.479.3680
F: 763.479.2679
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Jump to Section→ Capabilities
→ SLA Materials
→ Compare SLA Material Properties
→ Surface Finishes
→ Post-Processing
→ Our SLA 3D Printers
→ Why SLA 3D Printing?
Stereolithography (SLA) is an industrial 3D printing process used to create concept models, cosmetic prototypes, and complex parts with intricate geometries in as fast as 1 day. A wide selection of materials, extremely high feature resolutions, and quality surface finishes are possible with SLA.
SLA 3D printing is primarily used for:
- parts requiring high accuracy and features as small as 0.002 in.
- good surface quality for cosmetic prototypes
- form and fit testing
If you have any issues getting your guide, click here to download.
3D Printing Surface Finish Guide
Get this quick reference guide to explore your surface finish options across our six 3D printing technologies.
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S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe
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SLA Design Guidelines and Capabilities
Our basic guidelines for stereolithography include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time.
SLA Tolerances
For well-designed parts, tolerances in the X/Y dimension of ±0.002 in. (0.05mm) for first inch plus 0.1% of nominal length. (0.001mm/mm), and Z dimension tolerances of ±0.005 in. for first inch plus 0.1% of nominal length, can typically be achieved. Note that tolerances may change depending on part geometry.
Max Part Size
Layer Thickness
Minimum Feature Size
Minimum Wall Thickness
Minimum Hole Size
Tolerances
*Available for the following materials: ABS-Like White and Gray, ABS-Like Translucent/Clear, and PC-Like Translucent/Clear
SLA Material Options
ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200)
ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200) is a widely used general purpose SLA material.
In terms of flexibility and strength, this material falls between molded polypropylene and molded ABS, which makes it a good choice for functional prototypes. Parts as large as 29 in. x 25 in. x 21 in. can be built with ABS-Like White so consider it a primary option if you require an extensive part size build envelope.
Primary Benefits
- Durable, general purpose resin
- Accommodates extra-large parts
ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray)
ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray) is a widely used general purpose SLA material. In terms of flexibility and strength, this material falls between molded polypropylene and molded ABS, which makes it a good choice for functional prototypes. ABS-Like Gray offers the highest HDT of the ABS-like SLA resins.
Primary Benefits
- Durable, general purpose resin
- Highest HDT of the ABS-like SLA resins
ABS-Like Black (Accura 7820)
ABS-Like Black (Accura 7820) is a widely used general purpose material.
Its deep black color and glossy up-facing surfaces in a top profile offer the appearance of a molded part, while layer lines may be visible in a side profile. RenShape 7820 also has low moisture absorption (0.25% per ASTM D570) so that parts are more dimensionally stable. Compared to other SLA materials, it has midrange values for all mechanical properties.
Primary Benefits
- Low moisture absorption
- Glossy cosmetic appearance
ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122)
ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) offers a unique combination of low moisture absorption (0.35% 0.25% per ASTM D570) and near-colorless transparency. Secondary operations are required to achieve functional part clarity, and the part will also retain a very light blue hue afterward. While good for general-purpose applications, WaterShed is the best choice for flow-visualization models, light pipes, and lenses.
Primary Benefits
- Lowest moisture absorption of SLA resins
- Functional transparency
MicroFine™ (Gray and Green)
MicroFine™ is a custom formulated material available in gray and green that is exclusive to Protolabs.
This ABS-like thermoset is printed in Protolabs’ customized machinery to achieve high resolution features as small as 0.002 in. MicroFine is ideal for small parts, generally less than 1 in. by 1 in. by 1 in. In terms of mechanical properties, MicroFine falls in the mid-range of SLA materials for tensile strength and modulus and on the low end for impact strength and elongation.
Primary Benefits
- Produces highest resolution parts
- Ideal for extra-small parts
PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120)
PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) is the most flexible SLA option outside of Carbon RPU 70 and FPU 50. In direct comparison to the average values of an injection-molded polypropylene, 9120 has similar tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength. The only departure from molded PP is its elongation value, which is only 25% of the molded thermoplastic.
Primary Benefits
- Semi-flexible
- Translucency
PC-Like Advanced High Temp (Accura 5530)
PC-Like Advanced High Temp (Accura 5530) creates strong, stiff parts with high temperature resistance.
A thermal post-cure option can increase HDT as high as 482°F at 0.46 MPa loading. Accura 5530 has the highest E-modulus of all the unfilled SLA materials, and it is known for being resistant to automotive fluids. However, the thermal curing process does make Accura 5530 less durable, resulting in a 50% reduction to elongation.
Primary Benefits
- High elastic modulus
- Higher resistance to heated fluids
PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60)
PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) is an alternative to the general purpose ABS-like materials and WaterShed XC 11122 when stiffness is desired. Like WaterShed, this material can be custom finished to achieve functional transparency with secondary processing. Accura 60 has the highest tensile strength of and elastic modulus compared of all SLA materials outside of the Advanced High Temp options that are most often thermal cured.
Primary Benefits
- High stiffness
- Functional transparency
Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp (PerFORM)
Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp (PerFORM) exhibits the highest tensile strength and E-modulus making it the stiffest performance material of the SLA materials.
When the thermal cure option is applied to parts made from PerFORM, it exhibits the highest HDT (as high as 514°F at 0.46 MPa loading) of the SLA materials.
Primary Benefits
- Stiffest SLA resin
- Highest HDT of SLA resins
Compare SLA Material Properties
- US
- Metric
| Material | Color | Tensile Strength | Tensile Modulus | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200) | White | 7.9 ksi | 479 ksi | 9% |
| ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray) | Gray | 5.8 ksi | 290 ksi | 9% |
| ABS-Like Black (Accura 7820) | Black | 7.0 ksi | 435 ksi | 5% |
| ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) | Translucent/Clear | 7. 9 ksi | 421 ksi | 6% |
| MicroFine™ (Gray and Green) | Gray or Green | 8.7 ksi | 377 ksi | 8% |
| PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) | Translucent/White | 5.0 ksi | 232 ksi | 25% |
| PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) | Translucent/Clear | 10.8 ksi | 508 ksi | 7% |
| PC-Like Advanced High Temp* (Accura 5530) | Translucent/Amber | 6.5 ksi | 566 ksi | 1.5% |
| Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp* (PerFORM) | White | 10.9 ksi | 1523 ksi | 1% |
*Properties listed are based on thermal cure
| Material | Color | Tensile Strength | Tensile Modulus | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200) | White | 54.47 Mpa | 3300 Mpa | 9% |
| ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray) | Gray | 39. 98 Mpa | 2000 Mpa | 9% |
| ABS-Like Black (RenShape SL7820) | Black | 48.26 Mpa | 3000 Mpa | 5% |
| ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) | Translucent/Clear | 54.47 Mpa | 2600 Mpa | 6% |
| MicroFine™ (Gray and Green) | Gray or Green | 59.98 Mpa | 2600 Mpa | 8% |
| PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) | Translucent/White | 34.47 Mpa | 1600 Mpa | 25% |
| PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) | Translucent/Clear | 74.46 Mpa | 3503 Mpa | 7% |
| PC-Like Advanced High Temp* (Accura 5530) | Translucent/Amber | 44.81 Mpa | 3902 Mpa | 1.5% |
| Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp* (PerFORM) | White | 75.15 Mpa | 10,500 Mpa | 1% |
*Properties listed are based on thermal cure
These figures are approximate and dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to, machine and process parameters.
The information provided is therefore not binding and not deemed to be certified. When performance is critical, also consider independent lab testing of additive materials or final parts.
Surface Finish Options for SLA Parts
Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Unfinished
Material: MicroFine Gray™
Finish: Unfinished
Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Standard
Material: MicroFine Gray™
Finish: Standard
Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Natural
Material: MicroFine Gray™
Finish: Natural
Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Custom
Material: MicroFine Gray™
Finish: Custom
Additional Finishing Options
Custom finishing is a mix of science, technology, and fine art that can transform a part to your exact specifications. Finishes include:
- Soft-touch paint
- Clear part finishing
- Paint finishes
- Masking
- Color matching
- Decals/graphic
- Texture
Metal Plating
Our metal-plating process for SLA coats a ceramic-filled PC-like material (Somos PerFORM) with a nickel that gives parts the look, feel, and strength of metal, but without the weight.
The combination of the material’s strength, rigidity, and temperature resistance with nickel plating, takes strength, stiffness, and impact and temperature resistance to a degree previously unattainable in SLA parts.
Microfluidics
Our microfluidic fabrication process is a modified form of high-resolution SLA that uses a clear ABS-like material (WaterShed XC 11122). Parts are resistance to water and humidity, and work well for lens and flow-visualization models.
Our SLA 3D Printers
Our stereolithography machines consists of Vipers, ProJets, and iPros. In high-resolution mode, Vipers and ProJets can make parts with extremely tiny features and crisp details, while in normal-resolution mode, they can build cost-effective parts very quickly.
iPros have extremely large build volumes at 29 in. by 25 in. by 21 in. (736mm by 635mm by 533mm), yet are still able to image highly detailed parts easily.
Why Use SLA?
Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process that can 3D print parts with small features, tight tolerance requirements, and smooth surface finishes.
How Does SLA 3D Printing Work?
The SLA machine begins drawing the layers of the support structures, followed by the part itself, with an ultraviolet laser aimed onto the surface of a liquid thermoset resin. After a layer is imaged on the resin surface, the build platform shifts down and a recoating bar moves across the platform to apply the next layer of resin. The process is repeated layer by layer until the build is complete.
Newly built parts are taken out of machine and into a lab where solvents are used to remove any additional resins. When the parts are completely clean, the support structures are manually removed. From there, parts undergo a UV-curing cycle to fully solidify the outer surface of the part. The final step in the SLA process is the application of any custom or customer-specified finishing. Parts built in SLA should be used with minimal UV and humidity exposure so they don’t degrade.
SLA Resources
An Introduction to Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing
Stereolithography, a staple of 3D printing, can deliver complex prototypes quickly and accurately.
Read Design Tip
What is 3D Printing?
Gain an understanding of additive manufacturing and how it can be leveraged to improve product development through rapid prototyping and production.
Read Guide
Selecting a Material for Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing
Compare materials for stereolithography with one another and with injection-molded plastics.
Read Design Tip
SLA vs. FDM: Comparing Common 3D Printing Technologies
See how these two 3D printing technologies stack up for prototype parts. Understanding the advantages of each will help accelerate design.
Read Blog
Get an instant online quote for 3D printing.
Get a Quote
Metal 3D Printing Service for Custom Parts
Back
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Materials
Materials by Service
Injection MoldingCNC Machining3D PrintingSheet Metal
Materials by Type
PlasticsMetalsElastomers
Related Links
Customer Supplied ResinsColors
Definitive Guide to
CNC MachiningOur downloadable guide offers tips on optimizing your design for machining, tolerances and threading considerations, choosing the right material for your parts, and much more.
Download
-
Resources
Design Tips Toolkits Guides and Trend Reports Case Studies Design Aids Webinars and Trade Shows
Blog Videos FAQs Educators and Students Glossary
Industries Medical Aerospace Automotive Consumer Electronics Industrial Equipment
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About Us
Who We Are Why Protolabs? Factories x Network Digital Quoting Platform Research and Development Cool Idea Award Sustainability and Social Impact
Careers Investors Locations Press Procurement Partnerships
Contact Us
Proto Labs, Inc.
5540 Pioneer Creek Dr.
Maple Plain, MN 55359
United StatesP: 877.479.3680
F: 763.479.2679
E: [email protected]Digital Factories x
Partner NetworkOur digital factories produce low-volume parts in days while our digital network of manufacturing partners powered by Hubs unlocks advanced capabilities and volume pricing at higher quantities.
Learn More
Get a QuoteSign In
Get quality metal 3D-printed prototypes and production parts. Request an online quote today.
GET METAL PARTS
Certifications
ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D | ITAR Registered
Jump to Section→ Capabilities
→ Available Alloys
→ Compare Material Properties
→ Surface Finishes
→ Post-Processing
→ Why Metal 3D Printing?
Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is an industrial metal 3D printing process that builds fully functional metal prototypes and production parts in 7 days or less. A range of metals produce final parts that can be used for end-use applications.
Metal 3D printing technology is commonly used for:
- Prototyping in production-grade materials
- Complex geometries
- Functional, end-use parts
- Reducing metal components in an assembly
We hope you find this guide helpful.
If the file did not download, you can find it here.
Metal 3D Printing Guide
Jump start your metal 3D printing with this guide that covers material selection, design, post-processing, and quality inspections.
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S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe
I agree to receive email messages containing service updates and Design Tips from Protolabs and its affiliates
Metal 3D Printing Capabilities
Our basic guidelines for metal 3D printing include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time.
Metal 3D Printing Tolerances
For well-designed parts, tolerances of +0.003 in. (0.076mm) plus 0.1% of nominal length can typically be achieved. Note that tolerances may change depending on part geometry.
Max Dimensions
Layer Thickness
Minimum Feature Size
Tolerances
*At this time, Inconel 718 and Aluminum are the only materials available on our large format, X Line machine
Metal 3D Printing Material Options
Below is our available metal alloys for 3D printing.
Various heat treatments are available depending on material.
Stainless Steel (17-4 PH)
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH is a precipitation hardened stainless steel that is known for its hardness and corrosion resistance. If needing a stainless steel option, select 17-4 PH for its significantly higher tensile strength and yield strength, but recognize that it has far less elongation at break than 316L. Final parts built 17-4 PH receive vacuum solution heat treatment as well as H900 aging.
Primary Benefits
- Heat treated for full hardness and strength
- Corrosion resistance
LEARN MORE>
Stainless Steel (316L)
Stainless steel 316L is a workhorse material used for manufacturing acid and corrosion resistant parts. Select 316L when stainless steel flexibility is needed; 316L is a more malleable material compared to 17-4 PH. Final parts built in 316L receive stress relief application.
Primary Benefits
- Acid and corrosion resistance
- High ductility
LEARN MORE>
Aluminum (AlSi10Mg)
Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) is comparable to a 3000 series alloy that is used in casting and die casting processes.
It has good strength -to-weight ratio, high temperature and corrosion resistance, and good fatigue, creep and rupture strength. AlSi10Mg also exhibits thermal and electrical conductivity properties. Final parts built in AlSi10Mg receive stress relief application.
Primary Benefits
- High stiffness and strength relative to weight
- Thermal and electrical conductivity
LEARN MORE>
Inconel 718
Inconel is a high strength, corrosion resistant nickel chromium superalloy ideal for parts that will experience extreme temperatures and mechanical loading. Final parts built in Inconel 718 receive stress relief application. Solution and aging per AMS 5663 is also available to increase tensile strength and hardness.
Primary Benefits
- Oxidation and corrosion resistance
- High performance tensile, fatigue, creep, and rupture strength
LEARN MORE>
Cobalt Chrome (Co28Cr6Mo)
Cobalt Chrome (Co28Cr6Mo) is a superalloy is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio.
Primary Benefits
- High performance tensile and creep
- Corrosion resistance
LEARN MORE>
Titanium (Ti6Al4V)
Titanium (Ti6Al4V) is a workhorse alloy. Versus Ti grade 23 annealed, the mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V are comparable to wrought titanium for tensile strength, elongation, and hardness. Final parts built in Ti6Al4V receive vacuum stress relief application.
Primary Benefits
- High stiffness and strength relative to weight
- High temperature and corrosion resistance
LEARN MORE>
Compare Material Properties
20 μm = high resolution (HR)
30, 40, and 60 μm = normal resolution (NR)
- US
- Metric
| Materials | Resolution | Condition | Ultimate Tensile Strength (ksi) | Yield Stress (ksi) | Elongation (%) | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel (17-4 PH) | 20 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 199 | 178 | 10 | 42 HRC |
| 30 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 198 | 179 | 13 | 42 HRC | |
| Stainless Steel (316L) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 82 | 56 | 78 | 90 HRB |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 85 | 55 | 75 | 88 HRB | |
| Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 39 | 26 | 15 | 42 HRB |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 50 | 33 | 8 | 59 HRB | |
| 40 μm | Stress Relieved | 43 | 27 | 10 | 50 HRB | |
| Cobalt Chrome (Co28Cr6Mo) | 20 μm | As Built | 182 | 112 | 17 | 39 HRC |
| 30 μm | As Built | 176 | 119 | 14 | 38 HRC | |
| Inconel 718 | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 143 | 98 | 36 | 33 HRC |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 144 | 91 | 39 | 30 HRC | |
| 30 μm | Solution & Aged per AMS 5663 | 208 | 175 | 18 | 46 HRC | |
| 60 μm | Stress Relieved | 139 | 83 | 40 | 27 HRC | |
| 60 μm | Solution & Aged per AMS 5663 | 201 | 174 | 19 | 45 HRC | |
| Titanium (Ti6Al4V) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 153 | 138 | 15 | 35 HRC |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 144 | 124 | 18 | 33 HRC |
| Materials | Resolution | Condition | Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Stress (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel (17-4 PH) | 20 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 1,372 | 1,227 | 10 | 42 HRC |
| 30 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 1,365 | 1,234 | 13 | 42 HRC | |
| Stainless Steel (316L) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 565 | 386 | 78 | 90 HRB |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 586 | 379 | 75 | 88 HRB | |
| Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 268 | 180 | 15 | 46 HRB |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 345 | 228 | 8 | 59 HRB | |
| 40 μm | Stress Relieved | 296 | 186 | 10 | 50 HRB | |
| Cobalt Chrome (Co28Cr6Mo) | 20 μm | As Built | 1255 | 772 | 17 | 39 HRC |
| 30 μm | As Built | 1213 | 820 | 14 | 38 HRC | |
| Copper (CuNi2SiCr) | 20 μm | Precipitation Hardened | 496 | 434 | 23 | 87 HRB |
| Inconel 718 | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 986 | 676 | 36 | 33 HRC |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 993 | 627 | 39 | 30 HRC | |
| 30 μm | Solution & Aged per AMS 5663 | 1434 | 1207 | 18 | 46 HRC | |
| 60 μm | Stress Relieved | 958 | 572 | 40 | 27 HRC | |
| 60 μm | Solution & Aged per AMS 5663 | 1386 | 1200 | 19 | 45 HRC | |
| Titanium (Ti6Al4V) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 1055 | 951 | 15 | 35 HRC |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 993 | 855 | 18 | 33 HRC |
These figures are approximate and dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to, machine and process parameters.
The information provided is therefore not binding and not deemed to be certified. When performance is critical, also consider independent lab testing of additive materials or final parts.
Surface Finish Options
Standard Finish
Expect roughness values of 200 to 400 µin Ra (0.005 to 0.010mm Ra), depending on material and resolution. Support structures are removed and layer lines are visible.
Custom Finish
We offer brushed surfaces in a range of grits and polished mirror finishes. Be sure to indicate if the custom surface finish is for functional or aesthetic purposes so we can best consult you on our custom options.
Post-Processing Capabilities for Metal 3D-Printed Parts
Improve strength, dimensional accuracy, and cosmetic appearance of final metal components with DMLS for production.
Surface Finishing
- 3- and 5-axis milling
- Turning
- Polish (Mirror or Brushed)
- Passivation
- Wire EDM
- Tapping and reaming
Heat Treatments
- Stress relief
- NADCAP heat treatment
- Hot isostatic pressing (HIP)
- Solution annealing
- Aging
Mechanical Testing
- Tensile
- Rockwell Hardness
Powder Analysis & Material
- Traceability
- Chemistry
- Particle size and distribution analysis
Why Use Metal 3D Printing?
See how metal additive manufacturing technology can be used to reduce components within an assembly, fabricate complex geometries, and ultimately save you time and costs.
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How Does Metal 3D Printing Work?
The DMLS machine begins sintering each layer—first the support structures to the base plate, then the part itself—with a laser aimed onto a bed of metallic powder. After a cross-section layer of powder is micro-welded, the build platform shifts down and a recoater blade moves across the platform to deposit the next layer of powder into an inert build chamber. The process is repeated layer by layer until the build is complete.
When the build finishes, an initial brushing is manually administered to parts to remove a majority of loose powder, followed by the appropriate heat-treat cycle while still fixtured in the support systems to relieve any stresses. Parts are removed from the platform and support structures are removed from the parts, then finished with any needed bead blasting and deburring. Final DMLS parts are near 100 percent dense.
Large Format Metal 3D Printing
We recently added the GE Additive X Line to our fleet of metal 3D printers to build large Inconel 718 and Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) parts.
Have a project that might be a good fit? Contact us and we can discuss your requirements.
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Metal 3D Printing for Production
Improve strength, dimensional accuracy, and cosmetic appearance for end-use metal components with post-processing options like CNC machining and heat treatments.
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Resources
Post-Processing for Metal 3D Printing
Learn how to improve dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and mechanical properties on metal parts with high-requirement applications.
Read Design Tip
Combining Part Assemblies with Additive Manufacturing to Reduce Cost and Increase Performance
How to find the right opportunities to consolidate multi-part assemblies into single components with industrial 3D printing
Read White Paper
Inconel 718: A Workhorse Material for Additive Manufacturing
Inconel 718 is a go-to material for additive manufacturing of metal parts.
Read Blog
Large Format 3D Printing for Aluminum and Inconel Parts
When you’re printing really large parts in metal, it’s great to have a choice of materials. Aluminum and Inconel 718 both make a lot of sense, but which one is the best for your application?
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What is 3D Printing?
Gain an understanding of additive manufacturing and how it can be leveraged to improve product development through rapid prototyping and production.
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The American company Proto Labs Inc (NYSE:PRLB) is the largest manufacturer of small-scale industrial prototypes, products for the 3D printing and injection molding industries. Its developments are used in medical devices, electronics, household appliances, automobiles and consumer products.
In 2020, Statista Research estimated the size of the global 3D printing market at $16 billion, and by 2024 it should grow by almost 2.5 times to $40.8 billion (an increase of 26.4% per year). If forecasts come true, Proto Labs shares could show a big increase.
Parts of complex shapes from non-standard materials that Proto Labs manufactures are used in many areas: in the production of devices and tools, components in medicine, robotics, construction, etc. Therefore, in the manufacture of prototypes, 3D printing or injection molding become the most technological solutions .
Analyst consensus
New Acquisitions
Earlier this year, Proto Labs acquired 3D Hubs for $280 million. Up to $50 million in additional payments to previous owners are expected over the next two years. 3D Hubs is a leading online manufacturing platform that provides engineers with global network access on demand , consisting of approximately 240 premium manufacturing partners.
This acquisition will accelerate Proto Labs' revenue growth and significantly expand its customer base (the company will be able to serve customers more comprehensively).
Diversification of the company's activities by region
Risks and miscalculations Proto Labs
Last year was not the most favorable for Proto Labs: due to lockdowns, the number of clients decreased significantly. The volume of orders for unique products decreased from 47.7 thousand to 40.2 thousand, while annual revenue fell by 5.3% year-on-year. However, from the second half of 2020, the situation began to improve. The positive trend should continue in 2021.
On Feb. 12, the company released fairly conservative guidance for 1Q 2021: Proto Labs sees revenue in the range of $108-118M (2-11% year-on-year decline in revenue along with lower consolidated margins), which is not in line with market expectations . Such a conservative assessment provoked a drop in shares by 21%.
With the economy returning to growth, margins are expected to recover, but a significant recovery is unlikely before 2022.
In recent years, the company has faced the problem of increasing revenue. Proto Labs made some acquisition mistakes, including its purchase of low-volume sheet metal services provider Rapid in 2017. This purchase reduced the profitability of the company.
Compared to Proto Labs' historical performance (three-year averages), it is worth noting that P/FCF remained at the same level, despite the growth in EV/EBITDA, P/E and P/S. Along with an increase in the cash position against debt (more negative Net Debt / EBITDA), this allows us to judge the acceleration of the company's liquidity generation and, as a result, financial stability.
Comparison of multipliers with 3-year averages
Company outlook
The company has launched a new e-commerce system Proto Labs 2.0. It is likely that its benefits will become more apparent in 2022 and beyond, especially as new features and capabilities are added.
A definite plus is Proto Labs' low leverage. The company is not experiencing liquidity problems. Multipliers are relatively high, but comparable to those of the closest competitors. Should growth be accelerated through the 3D Hubs deal, performance could be acceptable (3D Hubs is expected to add ~$5M in revenue in the first quarter).
Evgeniy Shatov, Borsell Managing Partner
Source
Tags:
American company Proto Labs Inc, products for 3D printing and injection molding, 3D printing prototypes, Proto Labs 2.0 e-commerce system
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- Overview of Popular 3D Scanners for 3D Printers
- The Rosmould exhibition is an important tool for the development of the industry
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- Focus on domestic equipment, materials and software
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Proto Labs built a new 3d printing facility
When one of the world's leading conglomerates buys two of the world's leading 3D technology companies, it becomes clear that 3D printers will be at the core of the manufacturing of the future. This applies not only to General Electrics, but also to many other manufacturers.
Proto Labs entered the additive manufacturing industry in 2014 when it acquired Fineline Prorotyping. Since then, PL has been able to expand its production with a new 23 sq. km. The factory is located in Cary, North Carolina.
Features of the new production facility
Before the new building was erected, all the company's equipment was located in two rooms, each of which was 3 thousand square meters. meters. One housed SLA printers, the other housed DMLS and SLS equipment for metal and plastic, respectively. According to the vice president of Proto Labs, the new facility is almost 4 times larger than the previous one, which affected the production capabilities, as well as an increase in demand for the company's work.
Currently, all of the company's equipment, which is about 70 industrial 3d printers, have been moved to a new space, where there is still enough space to install additional devices. Now work in three areas in which the company operates will be carried out under one roof.
Although the company is currently working with SLA, SLS and DMLS printers, in the future they will acquire 3d devices from HP called Multi Jet Fusion. This choice of partner is not spontaneous, but refers to the issue of trust in the quality of products.
Automation software
One of the hallmarks of Proto Labs' services is the complete automation of manufacturing processes with software capable of managing all the activities that take place in the plant. The company actively uses digital technologies to conduct all areas of their business, from printing shipping stickers to ordering doors for rooms.
Human intervention is needed only when it is necessary to make adjustments to the operation of printers, as well as to prepare parts for future production.
Multilevel automation allows you to automate many work steps - from order processing to their execution. This allows you to increase production capabilities by several times, as well as increase the influx of loyal customers, minimizing the occurrence of errors.
To increase efficiency during order taking as well as execution, Proto Labs uses multifunctional software capable of simultaneously performing the most versatile tasks, such as:
- automatic check of proportions and properties of 3d printing projects;
- setting the number of orders, as well as entering them into the database;
- checking the integrity of the files with which the equipment works;
- launching workflows for machine operators;
- direct launch of 3d printers.
This digital web permeates every aspect of production, which is a really simple solution that reduces the company's costs in almost all stages.
Past and future of 3d printing services
Proto Labs is a large company that specializes in prototyping as well as short production runs.
Until 2014, they used CNC injection molding machines, but after the purchase of Fineline Prototyping, PL expanded their services with 3D printers, which led to a significant increase in the number of customers.
3D printing at Proto Labs is still used to create prototypes, but the demand for proposals for the creation of consumer-ready products is growing daily, and it is several times higher than the main activity of the company. In the near future, almost any business will use only digital technologies for its development.
The principle of operation of the company itself implies the simultaneous work of all departments on one order, which allows it to be completed several times faster than by standard methods.
Increased demand will be supported by new pushes in the 3d industry. The latest such signal was the acquisition by the GE conglomerate of Arcam and SLM Solutions. The VP of PL was initially worried, as this could greatly affect the operations of their enterprise.
