Protolabs Alternatives

Protolabs is considered a leader in the field of digital manufacturing and 3D printing, but there are many Protolabs competitors to try if you’re looking for other efficient and affordable solutions for prototyping and production.

Yijin Hardware, one of the top Protolabs and Xometry alternatives and competitors, breaks down the best solutions out there for your project needs.

Key Takeaways

• Yijin Hardware offers comprehensive CNC machining and 3D printing globally.
• Sculpteo provides industrial-grade 3D printing with diverse materials and technologies.
• Quickparts specializes in rapid turnaround for on-demand manufacturing services.
• Xometry has a huge network of manufacturers and diverse manufacturing capabilities.
• 3D Hubs has grown into a professional manufacturing service with a global reach.

Top Protolabs Alternatives and Competitors

1. Yijin Hardware

Yijin Hardware has become an important 3D printing and CNC machining company since we first opened our doors in 2003. With offices in China and the United States, our company serves a global clientele. Yijin Hardware’s core strengths lie in our advanced multi-axis CNC machining capabilities and state-of-the-art 3D printing services, assisting a diverse range of industries and applications.

Our company’s commitment to quality is clear in our quality certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, ensuring consistent high-quality output and environmental responsibility. Yijin Hardware’s expertise moves beyond CNC machining and 3D printing to include injection molding, making it a flexible choice for businesses looking for a one-stop solution to their manufacturing needs.

Yijin Hardware handles projects from prototype development to large-scale production runs — a reliable partner throughout the entire product development cycle.

• Services Offered: CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding
• Unique Features: ISO certifications, global presence, multi-axis CNC capabilities
• Industries Served: Automotive, aerospace, electronics

2. Sculpteo

Sculpteo has a special niche in the 3D printing service industry, as it offers industrial-grade additive manufacturing solutions to a worldwide market. The company has a powerful comprehensive approach, providing a wide range of materials and a suite of tools designed to analyze, repair, and optimize 3D models for the best printing results. This makes Sculpteo one of the most worthy Protolabs and Xometry competitors!

Sculpteo’s unique online marketplace allows you to sell your designs directly to consumers, creating a thriving ecosystem. With technologies ranging from SLS and SLA to metal 3D printing and binder jetting, Sculpteo offers diverse options to meet different manufacturing requirements, making it a top choice for rapid prototyping and custom parts production.

• Services Offered: Industrial-grade 3D printing, additive manufacturing
• Unique Features: Online marketplace for selling designs and tools for optimizing 3D models
• Industries Served: Rapid prototyping, custom parts production

3. Quickparts

Quickparts lives up to its name by offering fast turnaround times for on-demand manufacturing services, promising delivery in as little as two days. With over 20 years of industry experience, the company provides a wide range of services, from various 3D printing technologies to traditional manufacturing processes.

Quickparts combines in-house production capabilities with a network of global manufacturing partners, allowing it to maintain quality control while offering flexibility for various project sizes. Its U.S. facilities have an ISO 9001:2015 certification and ITAR registration, showing their commitment to quality and security. Quickparts also offers valuable consultation services, helping clients with material selection and manufacturing method choices for the most effective results.

• Services Offered: 3D printing, on-demand manufacturing, injection molding
• Unique Features: Fast turnaround with ISO 9001:2015 certification, ITAR registration
• Industries Served: Aerospace, medical, consumer products

4. Xometry

Protolabs vs. Xometry is a common comparison, and for good reason! Xometry has become a leading company in the manufacturing service space, with an impressive client list that includes industry giants like General Electric, BMW, and NASA. The company’s success is due to its large network of over 10,000 manufacturers, enabling it to handle large-scale orders with incredible speed and efficiency.

Xometry’s comprehensive services include 3D printing in both plastic and metal, CNC machining, and injection molding. Its unique feature is its finishing services network, which connects clients with multiple world-class finishing suppliers to ensure competitive pricing on your quote. Xometry’s global reach and diverse capabilities make it a great choice for businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations seeking custom parts and prototypes.

• Services Offered: CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, finishing services
• Unique Features: Large network of 10,000+ manufacturers, global reach
• Industries Served: Aerospace, defense, automotive

5. 3D Hubs

3D Hubs, which rebranded to Hubs in 2021, is another one of the top Protolabs competitors. It has grown from a peer-to-peer network for 3D printing services into a professional manufacturing service catering to businesses and industries. The company specializes in connecting customers with a global network of manufacturers, offering a wide range of materials, finishes, and technologies.

As a solid rival in the 3D Hubs vs. Protolabs comparison, Hubs’ transformation aligns with the growth of the 3D printing industry itself, making it an important competitor in the professional manufacturing space. By offering a wide range of manufacturing options, from 3D printing to CNC machining, Hubs provides flexible and scalable manufacturing solutions for businesses looking for alternatives to traditional supply chains.

• Services Offered: 3D printing, CNC machining, manufacturing network
• Unique Features: Global manufacturing network with scalable solutions
• Industries Served: Prototyping, production, supply chain alternatives

6. Stratasys Direct

Stratasys Direct uses the expertise of its parent company, Stratasys, a leading manufacturer of industrial 3D printers, to offer innovative additive manufacturing solutions. Its services extend beyond 3D printing to include urethane casting and plastic injection molding, providing a comprehensive line of manufacturing solutions.

Stratasys Direct also has a Design Services program, offering direct access to engineering expertise, which is highly useful for optimizing designs for additive manufacturing. With an extensive range of materials, advanced technologies, and engineering support, Stratasys Direct is a good choice for professional applications requiring high-quality, precision parts across various industries, including aerospace and automotive.

• Services Offered: 3D printing, urethane casting, plastic injection molding
• Unique Features: Engineering expertise and advanced technologies from Stratasys
• Industries Served: Aerospace, automotive, professional applications

7. Shapeways

Shapeways stands out in the 3D printing market with its user-friendly interface and consumer-oriented approach. The company’s platform accepts a wide range of common file formats, making it accessible to both professionals and hobbyists. Shapeways’ unique selling point is its online marketplace, which allows designers to upload and sell their 3D models directly to consumers, with Shapeways handling the printing and delivery.

This business model creates a fantastic ecosystem, benefiting both designers and consumers. Using industrial-grade 3D printers, Shapeways ensures high-quality output, which makes it a great option if you’re looking for professional-level 3D printing services with a consumer-friendly interface and competitive pricing.

• Services Offered: 3D printing, design services, online marketplace
• Unique Features: Consumer-friendly platform with file upload and sales options
• Industries Served: Consumer and professional 3D printing services

8. FacFox

FacFox is one of China’s leading on-demand print services, and offers a wide variety of manufacturing options tailored to several industries. The company is another of the best Protolabs competitors and alternatives. It has a user-friendly online interface, which simplifies the ordering process and includes features like automatic model repair and live print tracking.

FacFox’s 3D printing, accessible via Craftcloud, offers a range of materials and technologies comparable to many of its competitors with fast lead times. Its ability to collaborate with diverse industries, from architecture to medical and retail, shows its flexibility and adaptability. With competitive international delivery rates, FacFox is a wonderful solution for businesses looking for a balance of affordability, quality, and range of services in the global manufacturing market.

• Services Offered: 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding
• Unique Features: Affordable pricing with automatic model repair and global delivery
• Industries Served: Architecture, medical, retail, various industries

Yijin Hardware: Efficient 3D Printing

Yijin Hardware is a professional industrial 3D printing service provider and one of the best alternatives to Protolabs, backed by years of experience and a commitment to quality. With our global presence and diverse capabilities, Yijin Hardware is ready to meet the demands of various industries and project scales.

Benefits of 3D Printing with Yijin Hardware

At Yijin Hardware, we offer affordable 3D printing to meet your project needs. With offices in both the US and China, we cater to a global audience. We are an efficient provider of additive manufacturing services with a short lead time.

Our 3D Printing Process

Once your model has been approved, our 3D printers add layers of material to a piece of work. This assists in building up the finished component. Our printers read your digital model and will deposit the materials according to the dimensions and geometry of the model. Once it’s done, we get it delivered to you as soon as possible!

Reach out to find out how Yijin Hardware can support your manufacturing needs.

Protolabs Alternatives FAQs

Are Protolabs and Xometry the same company?

Protolabs and Xometry are two entirely separate businesses. They are distinct organizations that provide various manufacturing services. There are some key differences between the two, despite the fact that both offer rapid prototyping and custom manufacturing.

Is Xometry or Protolabs cheaper?

Protolabs is generally cheaper than Xometry, but this depends on your project specifications and the kind of services you require. Protolabs often provides cost advantages for smaller, less complex projects, while Xometry may offer better pricing on specific materials, and for large-scale or highly specialized orders. Pricing can also vary based on material selection, turnaround time, and additional finishing options, so you should always compare quotes from providers for an accurate assessment.

Is Protolabs Network legit?

Yes, Protolabs Network is a legitimate service that connects customers with vetted manufacturing partners. It expands Protolabs’ capabilities by providing access to a wider range of production options.

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