Protolabs, a US-based digital manufacturing services provider, has launched Design for Additive Manufacturability (DfAM) instant design service. Automated feedback allows engineers to optimize designs for production on 3D printers before having them printed. According to the company, this helps speed up product development and avoid unnecessary costs by making design adjustments early.
Protolabs operates in the e-commerce industry, offering injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing and sheet metal fabrication to customers around the world. The company serves customers using its own production capabilities, and with the help of the Dutch company Hubs acquired in January 2021, also through a network of partner companies.
“Protolabs was one of the first digital manufacturing companies to introduce automated manufacturability analysis for injection molding and CNC milling, which quickly became essential for our customers during the iterative design process,” said Oleg Ryaboy, Chief Technology Officer, Protolabs . “We are excited to extend our manufacturing capabilities design suite to include 3D printing so that customers can benefit from the same speed and cost reduction benefits.”
DfAM analysis is available for parts submitted online for any plastic and metal 3D printing technology offered by the company. Offers sent to users include analyzes that highlight potential manufacturability recommendations for thin walls, small gaps, and parts that exceed maximum size limits.
The launch of the app extends the company’s automated DfAM system, also available through Hubs’ digital network of manufacturing partners.
“Our DfAM capabilities significantly improve the quality of 3D printing pricing, allowing customers to easily take advantage of our extensive technical offerings. I’m delighted with the initial customer response,” said Rob Bodor, president and CEO of Protolabs.
Protolabs also offers silicone 3D printing in multiple Shore-A hardness levels. The material is 100% pure silicone, which is biocompatible and functional over a wide temperature range. Earlier this year, the company also introduced steam smoothing for selected materials. Protolabs says the addition of 3D printing design and manufacturing capabilities is part of the company’s larger drive to provide customers with more manufacturing capabilities in 2023.
Source: www.protolabs.gcs-web.com