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Protolabs vs Desktop Metal: A Comparative Analysis

Introduction

In the realm of rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, two titans stand out: Protolabs and Desktop Metal. These companies have revolutionized production processes with their innovative technologies. This blog post delves into the strengths, weaknesses, and offerings of Protolabs and Desktop Metal, shedding light on the key differences.

Main Sections:

1. Technology Overview

Exploring the core technologies utilized by Protolabs and Desktop Metal.

  • Protolabs: Injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing
  • Desktop Metal: Metal 3D printing technologies, including binder jetting and metal injection molding

2. Material Selection

Comparing the range of materials available for prototyping and manufacturing.

  • Protolabs: Wide selection of plastics, metals, and elastomers
  • Desktop Metal: Focus on metal materials with precise properties

3. Cost and Lead Time Analysis

Examining pricing structures and turnaround times offered by each company.

  • Protolabs: Instant quotes, fast manufacturing turnaround
  • Desktop Metal: Competitive pricing, varying lead times based on complexity

Key Takeaways

It’s evident that Protolabs and Desktop Metal cater to distinct niches within the manufacturing industry. While Protolabs excels in rapid prototyping and low to mid-volume production, Desktop Metal shines in metal additive manufacturing with a focus on high-quality metal parts. Understanding your specific requirements is crucial in choosing the right partner for your manufacturing needs.

protolabs vs desktop metal

On demand manufacturing online CNC Machining Services

If you need custom machined parts with complex geometries, or get end-use products in the shortest possible time, sigma technik limited is good enough to break through all of that and achieve your idea immediately.

  • One -to-one friendly service
  • Instant quota within couple of hours
  • Tolerances down to +-0.01mm
  • From one -off prototypes to full mass production
Mission And Vision

OUR SERVICES

CNC Machining

Equipped with 3-4-5 axis CNC milling and CNC turning machines, which enable us to handle even more complex parts with high precision.

Rapid Injection molding

Low investment, fast lead time, perfect for your start-up business.

Sheet metal

Our talented sheet metal engineers and skilled craftsmen work together to provide high quality custom metal products.

3D Printing

We offer SLA/SLS technologies to transform your 3D files into physical parts.

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About Us

What can we do?

Sigma Technik Limited, as a prototype production company and rapid manufacturer focusing on rapid prototyping and low volume production of plastic and metal parts, has advanced manufacturing technology, one-stop service, diversified manufacturing methods, on-demand manufacturing services and efficient manufacturing processes, which can provide customers with high-quality, efficient and customized product manufacturing services and help customers improve product quality and market competitiveness.

CNC Machining Case Application Field

CNC machining is a versatile manufacturing technology that can be used for a wide range of applications. Common examples include components for the aerospace, automotive, medical industries and etc.

Automotive components

Aerospace components

Medical components

Metal and plastic processing

Clear optical prototype for CNC machining

Let’s start a great partnership journey!

CNC Machining FAQs

Get the support you need on CNC machining and engineering information by reading the FAQ here.

It may be caused by unstable processing equipment or tool wear and other reasons, so it is necessary to check the equipment and tools in time and repair or replace them.

It may be due to severe wear of cutting tools or inappropriate cutting parameters, which require timely replacement or adjustment of cutting tools or adjustment of machining parameters.

It may be caused by programming errors, program transmission errors, or programming parameter settings, and it is necessary to check and modify the program in a timely manner.

It may be due to equipment imbalance or unstable cutting tools during the processing, and timely adjustment of equipment and tools is necessary.

The quality and usage method of cutting fluid can affect the surface quality of parts and tool life. It is necessary to choose a suitable cutting fluid based on the processing materials and cutting conditions, and use it according to the instructions.

It may be due to residual stress in the material and thermal deformation during processing, and it is necessary to consider the compatibility between the material and processing technology to reduce part deformation.