What is the Digital Manufacturing Network?

High-Quality Manufacturing Guaranteed

Our Digital Network works with a highly vetted network of around 250 manufacturers and holds each of them to the highest quality standards. To ensure all manufacturers uphold our standards, we’ve developed comprehensive systems for selecting and supporting our network partners. We continually audit our protocols to guarantee quality parts—every time.

How We Select and Onboard Network Manufacturers

Our digital network of experienced, specialised manufacturers gives us our breadth of capabilities and consistent quality. We have a strict selection and onboarding process for managing and growing this network. For every new manufacturer we bring into the network, we use a comprehensive eight-step process, this is:

1. Initial Outreach

We approach manufacturers we believe meet our standards to gauge interest and assess the match.

2. First Evaluation

We conduct an evaluation to see if the manufacturer meets our qualification criteria. We also provide detailed information on what it’s like to work with us.

3. Factory Audit

An auditor on our digital network team assesses quality management performance and environmental/social compliance.

4. Legal Due Diligence

Every network manufacturer has to hold the right registrations and licenses. We do full background checks and sign formal agreements to ensure compliance.

5. Platform Access

Once manufacturers meet our standards, we give them access to the quote-building platform.

6. Technical Training

To ensure the process runs smoothly from ordering to delivery, we train every manufacturer on the technical standards, logistics and communication requirements behind the platform.

7. First 10 Orders

Supply chain managers monitor the first 10 orders of every new manufacturer. We perform onsite quality control for pre- and post-production.

8. Quality Assurance

To ensure that our network meets and exceeds industry standards, we audit our manufacturers on a regular basis and drive continual improvement.

Continuous Improvement, Certifications, and Quality Control

Manufacturing Standards

We aim to keep our line-item non-conformance rate below 1% and minimise part issues. If issues do arise, a corrective action plan goes into effect. The manufacturing partner involved finds the root cause of the issue and improves the process to ensure similar problems do not arise in the future. To make sure parts are made to spec, our manufacturing network adheres to detailed standards set by the Partner Network team. It’s all about continuous improvement. Read more about our Partner Networks' quality assurance.

ISO Certifications

Thanks to our highly vetted digital network and ISO 9001-certified Quality Management System, it’s always possible to have parts manufactured with industry-specific certifications. Our manufacturing network can certify to the following standards: ISO 9001, AS 9100, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, and ISO TS16949. Contact your account representative at Protolabs to learn more.

Quality Control, Locally and Globally

Global: All parts (except for 3D-printed orders) being shipped to the UK, U.S., and EU will be inspected at one of our cross docks in Amsterdam or Chicago.

Local: Customers in the U.S. and EU can choose to onshore production by having their orders sourced through manufacturers within their custom-clearance borders. Those manufacturers then send parts directly to you, resulting in fewer logistical hurdles and much faster delivery times.