Quality Assurance at Protolabs Network
Learn how we uphold quality processes with our network of global manufacturing partners
Our network team at Protolabs has developed a set of processes to ensure the highest manufacturing standards are applied to every custom part you order. We inspect each order dimensionally and visually, both during and after production, so that your custom components are delivered on time and to your exact specifications—we set the bar high.
Injection Molding Standards
ISO Certifications
It is always possible to have your parts manufactured with industry-specific certifications due to our highly vetted digital network of manufacturers and ISO 9001-certified quality management system. Our network can certify to the following standards: ISO 9001, AS 9100, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, and ISO TS16949.
Contact your account representative to find out more. Download our ISO 9001 certificate for our manufacturing network
Quality Documentation
We track the performance of manufacturers in our network to ensure orders meet our quality standards and provide certifications and reports upon request.
Certificate of Conformance
Availability: CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal fabrication
CMM Inspection Report
Availability: CNC machining
Material Certificate
Availability: CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication
Dimensional Inspection Report
Availability: CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication
Assessing Network Manufacturers
We have a comprehensive method for selecting, onboarding, and tracking the performance of every supplier in our digital manufacturing network. Our network page dives deeper into our approach.
Interested in joining Protolabs Network as a manufacturing partner? Check out the requirements.
Tracking Orders After Shipment
There are several ways to track your order. Depending on the region and manufacturing process, you may receive your parts directly from manufacturing partners or from our quality control cross-dock.
3D Printing
- Always direct-shipping from the manufacturing partner to customer
- You will receive parts mainly through DHL Express (EU) and FedEx (US)
- Tracking updates are provided by Aftership
Machining, Molding, Sheet Metal Fabrication
(delivery address in EU, UK, or US)
- Orders are cross-docked and QC’d at a Hubs facility
- After cross-docking, tracking is shared with you
- You will receive your part through DHL Express, FedEx, or UPS
- Tracking updates are provided by Aftership
Machining, Molding, Sheet Metal Fabrication
(delivery address outside EU, UK, or US)
- Orders are not cross-docked and are shipped directly to you
- Tracking becomes available as soon as the manufacturing partner ships the order
- You will receive your part through DHL Express, FedEx, or UPS
- Tracking updates are provided by Aftership
Customs Clearance
We handle customs for orders to/from the UK, US, and countries within the EU. We ship Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), meaning that we handle customs before your part arrives at one of Hubs’ cross-docking locations in Amsterdam or Chicago before shipping it to you.
Unfortunately, we can’t handle customs for every country and region. If your order originates from or is being shipped to a country outside the UK, US, and EU, we won’t be able to handle customs directly. We can assist you with documentation and other types of support if need be.
Enhanced Manufacturing Capabilities with Protolabs Network
Protolabs Network unlocks expanded capabilities across services. To move injection molding from low-volume (10,000+ parts) to higher-volume (100,000+ parts) production, try our network. Anodizing and tighter tolerances are available with CNC machining. And both molding and machining have volume pricing options for lower piece-part cost. You can even prototype quick and cost-efficiently with FDM 3D printing. Get more out of manufacturing with our digital network.
Try Protolabs Network