How to Get a Quote from Protolabs

You can get a Protolabs quote in two ways: submit your part files through the online instant quote tool to receive an interactive quote with free design analysis within hours, or contact the production team directly for projects that span the full product life cycle. The online route is the faster path for a defined part; the team route fits production planning, volume pricing, or projects with export-control questions.

Before You Start

Gather the following so the quote request doesn't stall:

• Part files — 3D CAD models (and 2D drawings if your tolerances or features require them).
• Manufacturing process — Protolabs lists Injection Molding, CNC Machining, 3D Printing, and Sheet Metal Fabrication. You can also select "Decide Later" if you want guidance.
• Material and quantity — the service pages list available materials (for example, 100+ plastic, elastomeric, and silicone rubber materials for injection molding). Quantity matters: low-volume molding is offered up to 100,000+ parts with volume pricing and no MOQ.
• Export-control status — you'll be asked whether parts are subject to ITAR or other export restrictions. Answer accurately; Protolabs holds ITAR registration alongside ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, and AS9100D certifications.

Option 1: Use the Online Instant Quote

1. Go to protolabs.com and start an instant quote from the main page.
2. Upload your part file and select the manufacturing service.
3. Choose material, quantity, and any finishing options (for example, plating and anodizing on machined parts).
4. Submit. The system returns an interactive quote that includes free design analysis — typically within hours, per Protolabs.
5. Review the design feedback before ordering. Issues flagged here (thin walls, unmillable features, tolerance conflicts) are cheaper to fix now than after tooling.

Expected result: a priced, interactive quote you can adjust and convert into an order. Lead times depend on process — machined parts are quoted as fast as 1 day, with plating and anodizing as fast as 4 days.

Common snags:

• A model that quotes in one process may fail in another; if the price or manufacturability looks wrong, re-quote under a different service before assuming the design is at fault.
• Tight tolerances drive cost. CNC tolerances go down to ±0.001 in. (0.020 mm) through the digital network — specify only where the design needs it.

Option 2: Talk to the Production Team

Use the "Talk with Our Production Team" form when you need:

• Volume pricing or bridge tooling discussions for injection molding.
• A partner across the entire product life cycle, from early prototyping to end-use production.
• Clarification on ITAR or export restrictions before sharing files.

The form asks for first name, last name, company, email, optional phone number, a project description, and which service(s) you're interested in (or "Decide Later"). A manufacturing expert then reaches out directly.

Which Route Fits Your Situation

Verify Before You Order

• Confirm the quote's material, quantity, and finish match your intent — the interactive quote lets you change these, and price moves with them.
• Read the design analysis notes and resolve flagged features in your CAD before placing the order.
• Check the quoted lead time against your schedule; "within days" varies by process and finishing.

If the online quote raises questions you can't resolve in the tool, the production team form is the documented escalation path — include your quote reference in the project description so the expert can pull up your parts.