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3D printing service Apple Valley, MN

We manufacture high-quality, competitively priced custom prototypes & production parts. Upload a CAD file for an instant 3D printing quote. Order parts in 5 minutes from your desk.

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Our 3D printing capabilities

We have over 90 3D printing shops in our network and are well known for manufacturing high-quality parts at competitive prices, from rapid prototyping with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to functional end parts made with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) or Multi Jet Fusion (MJF).

FDM 3D printed part in FDM process
FDM

Fast & affordable prototyping

  • Dimensional accuracy of ± 0.5% with a lower limit: ± 0.5 mm

  • Lead times from 1 business day

See our FDM services
SLS 3D printed part in SLS process
SLS

Functional prototyping & low-run production

  • Dimensional accuracy of ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012")

  • Lead times from 3 business days

See our SLS services
MJF 3D printed part in MJF process
MJF

Functional prototyping & low-run production

  • Dimensional accuracy of ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012")

  • Lead times from 3 business days

See our MJF services
SLA 3D printed part in SLA process
SLA

Visual prototyping

  • Dimensional accuracy of ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012")

  • Lead times from 2 business days

See our SLA services
Not sure about which process is the correct one for your part design? Read more about Selecting the right 3D printing process.

FDM 3D Printing service in Apple Valley, MN

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing is one of the most popular additive manufacturing processes on the market today. Using thermoplastic polymers that come in the form of filaments, FDM builds parts layer by layer by selectively depositing melted material along a path determined by Gcode. FDM printing is fast, accurate, and cost-effective, and requires minimal post-processing for support structure removal. With FDM, you can use desktop machines for initial and functional prototyping as well as industrial printers for custom end-use parts. As a material extrusion technology, FDM printing produces durable, rigid components in a variety of plastic materials, including ABS, PLA, PETG, ULTEM, and Nylon. While functional and cosmetic properties depend on the material you select, FDM parts have high strength and can be geometrically complex.


For more information on FDM 3D printing, read our introduction to the process or learn how to design better parts for FDM.

SLS 3D Printing service in Apple Valley, MN

Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing is one of the most powerful additive manufacturing processes, capable of producing durable and accurate custom parts. SLS 3D printing is ideal for rapid prototyping and functional prototyping, end-use parts, and low-volume production, and more companies are turning to SLS for more industrial applications. Instead of extruding plastic filament, SLS printers use a laser to selectively fuse plastic powders into solid models layer-by-layer. These machines scan cross-sections on the surface of a powder bed with Gcode from your CAD files. After scanning a cross-section, SLS printers lower a powder bed by one layer and deposit more material on top of what’s already been sintered. This process repeats until you have a finished part. SLS 3D printing is a speedy way to produce functional parts from engineering materials including Nylon 12 (PA 12) and Glass-filled Nylon (PA 12 GF). 


For more info on SLS 3D printing, check out our introduction to the technology and learn how to design better parts for SLS.

MJF 3D Printing service in Apple Valley, MN

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), HP’s proprietary additive manufacturing process, is the most advanced 3D printing technology available today. It’s capable of producing complex functional prototypes and mechanically impressive end-use components quickly and with high degrees of accuracy. MJF 3D printed parts are durable, even with intricate features, and have isotropic mechanical properties. Compared to other additive technologies that use powder bed fusion, MJF is speedy and capable of more industrial applications and is often a viable alternative to injection molding for low-volume production runs. In many industries, MJF is the go-to process for producing electronic component housings, mechanical assemblies, enclosures, and jigs and fixtures. MJF 3D printing is currently a proprietary technology and can only create parts from HP PA 12 and HP PA 12GF. 


For more information on MJF 3D printing, check out our introduction to the technology and learn how to design better parts for MJF.

SLA 3D Printing service in Apple Valley, MN

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process offering impressive accuracy and high resolution. It’s an ideal solution for quickly manufacturing initial and functional prototypes and end-use parts in low volumes. Part of the vat photopolymerization class of additive technologies, SLA uses UV lasers to selectively cure polymer resins one layer at a time. The materials used in SLA are photosensitive thermoset polymers that come in a liquid resin form, with specialty materials available like clear, flexible, and castable resins. SLA 3D printed parts are smooth to the touch and can be finely detailed, making the process an ideal choice for visual prototypes. For some applications, SLA can even stand in for injection molding, especially if you use industrial SLA machines that can print in larger parts with specialty materials. 


For more information on SLA 3D printing, check out our introduction to the technology and learn how to design better parts for SLA.

Instant, online 3D printing quotes

  • Upload a CAD to start (STEP, STP, IGES, IGS, SLDPRT, 3DM, SAT, STL, OBJ or X_T)

  • Price updates in real-time as you change materials, lead time, etc..

  • No hidden costs. Our instant quotes are not just indications, but the actual price, and include shipping and customs up front.

Learn about how our quoting algorithm works
Our quote builder interface

Our ordering process

Upload CAD file
Securely upload your part design to our online quote builder
Confirm specs
Configure your part specifications and select a lead time that suits your schedule
Receive instant quote
Upload your CAD to our 
online quoting platform
Manufacturing
We select the best manufacturer for your order, and production begins immediately
Quality control
We take full responsibility for making sure your parts are manufactured according to our standards
Delivery

Our 3D printing service has been rated 4.9/5

Over 251 customers are satisfied with our 3D printing service.

“first parts ordered via this site and the all around experience was great!”

Justin, Lakeville
Standard PLA, FDM

“The part looks great and was produced very fast!”

Jorge, Savage
Standard ABS, FDM

“Excellent service in both product quality and communications. Very knowledgeable about 3D printing and willing to help. ”

Jim, Savage
Standard ABS, FDM

“100% fill is the trick nice and strong! worked well thanks”

Michael, SAINT PAUL
Standard ABS, FDM

“Fast and exactly what I wanted. Really amazing what is possible in today's world. Thanks again.”

Erik, West Saint Paul
Standard ABS, FDM

“Good source for large (~10 inch) parts. Fast turn.”

Alex, Edina
Standard PLA, FDM

“The order is finished on time in good quality. ”

Shengwu, Saint Paul
Standard Nylon, SLS

“Couldn't be happier with how the print turned out! Always a pleasure working with Patrick.”

Nate, Prior Lake
Standard PETG, FDM

“Excellent service! The provider spent much time in messages with me back and forth on the improvement on my amateurish design. The final product is professional enough to be used in laboratory research. ”

xiao, Saint Paul
FDM

“Amazing quality! Very happy with parts- re-quoting new parts now!”

Daniel, Minneapolis
Standard Nylon, SLS

“Good communication and fast response/updates”

Justin, Minneapolis
Standard PETG, FDM

“Got my part printed and shipped very quickly! Great communication -- I was kept up to date every step of the way, and was even sent pictures of the part before it shipped. The quality of the part is exactly what I was hoping for, and the price was quite reasonable.”

Colin, Roseville
Standard PLA, FDM

“Excellent service, fast response, all in all everything went perfect!”

David, Shakopee
Standard ABS, FDM

“This is an amazing service! Quick, quality prints at a very fair price. Will continue to use for all future projects!”

Tyler, Hastings
Standard ABS, FDM

“Very communicative and extremely quick turn around.”

Alex, Chanhassen
Tough resin (ABS-like), SLA/DLP

“Quick turn around, great communication. Thanks!”

Todd, New Hope
Standard PLA, FDM

“Very helpful, parts arrived faster than expected as well!”

Dan, plymouth
Standard ABS, FDM

“Speedy communication and a faster turn around than expected. The parts were high quality and a perfect fit. I would definitely send more work to in the future. Thanks!”

Michael, Maple Grove
Standard ABS, FDM

“Amazing quality and processing. Couldn't ask for better service!”

Dustin, Champlin
Standard PLA, FDM

“Awesome! Thanks for the quick print over a gallon weekend”

Caleb, Rogers
Standard ABS, FDM

“Great service! Superb communication, quick production and shipping, good quality parts. ”

Michael, Buffalo
Standard PLA, FDM

“Such wonderful, timely, and detailed service!”

Robert, Rochester
Standard PLA, FDM

“Great service !!!! Loved the quality of the parts.”

Charles, Lake City
Standard PLA, FDM

“I received exactly what I ordered, and every step of the process was well communicated. ”

Amy, La Crosse
Standard PLA, FDM

“Thanks, even gave me the rejects that my son and I can have fun painting!”

James, Marshalltown
Standard PLA, FDM

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Parts in 1 day with Protolabs

Protolabs and its network work together to bring you the world's most comprehensive manufacturing solution. While the network can provide a large breadth of capabilities, Protolabs’ factories offer expedited manufacturing with automated in-house machines for the industry's fastest lead times.

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The Protolabs Network Standard - consistent quality, every time

Protolabs Network takes the stress out of manufacturing by guaranteeing the quality and consistency of every part. Each order is dimensionally and visually inspected to make sure it meets The Protolabs Network Standard.

Inspection standards Quality control icon
Inspection standards

Visual and dimensional inspection & defects

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Dimensional accuracy Dimensions icon
Dimensional accuracy

Sample measurements & general rules

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Cosmetic standards A B side cosmetic standard illustration
Cosmetic standards

Standard offering & post-processing options

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3D printing materials

We can generate instant 3D printing quotes for 25+ plastics. For metal 3D-printed parts, you can request a quote from our parent company, Protolabs.

We can source any other material on request, but quotes take up to 48 hours.

The 3D Printing Handbook

Get practical advice on how to design for 3D printing, based upon first-hand experience from the industry’s leading experts. Click here to download the sample chapters.

Buy the book from Amazon

FAQ's about 3D printing

How much does your 3D printing service cost?

The cost of your 3D printed parts depends on factors such as part volume, part complexity, choice of material, which 3D printing technology is used, and if any post processing is required. For more details on these cost factors, see our article on the cost of 3D printing. To check the cost of your 3D printed part, simply upload a CAD (.STL) file and select your material and 3D printing technology to receive a quote within seconds.

Upload CAD file to get started

How can I reduce the cost of my 3D prints?

In order to reduce the cost of your 3D prints you need to understand the impact certain factors have on cost. The main cost influencing factors are the material type, individual part volume, printing technology and post-processing requirements.

Once these have been decided, an easy way to further cut costs is to reduce the amount of material used. This can be done by decreasing the size of your model, hollowing it out, and eliminating the need for support structures.

To learn more, read our full guide on how to reduce the cost of 3D printing.

How do you guarantee the quality of my prints?

Your parts are made by experienced 3D printing shops within our network. All facilities are regularly audited to ensure they consistently meet The Protolabs Network Standard. We include a standardized inspection report with every order and offer a First Article Inspection service on orders of 100+ units.

We have partners in our network with the following certifications, available on request: ISO9001, ISO13485 and AS9100.

Follow this link to read more about our quality assurance measures.

How do I select the right 3D printing process for my prints?

You can select the right 3D printing process by examining which materials suit your need and what your use case is.

By material: if you already know which material you would like to use, selecting a 3D printing process is relatively easy, as many materials are technology specific.

By use case: once you know whether you need a functional or visual part, choosing a process is easy.

For more help, read our guide to selecting the right 3D printing process. Find out more about Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA).

Where can I learn more about 3D printing?

Our knowledge base is full of in-depth design guidelines, explanations on process and surface finishes, and information on how to create and use CAD files. Our 3D printing content has been written by an expert team of engineers and technicians over the years. 

See our complete engineering guide to 3D printing for a full breakdown of the different 3D printing technologies and materials. If you want even more 3D printing, then check out our acclaimed 3D Printing Handbook.


How do I design parts for 3D printing?

For tips on designing for production, take a look at our key design considerations for 3D printing. Designing models for 3D printing is generally done with CAD software such as Solidworks and Fusion 360, or 3D modeling software such as Blender, Maya or 3Ds max. To learn more see our article on 3D modeling CAD software.


Our other manufacturing capabilities

CNC machining
CNC machining

Milling (3-, 4- & full 5-axis), turning and post-processing

  • 50+ metals and plastics & 10 surface finishes


  • Tolerances down to ±.0008” (0.020 mm)

  • Lead times from 5 business days

See our CNC machining services
Sheet metal fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication

Laser cutting, bending, post-processing

  • 6 metals & 9 surface finishes


  • Tolerances down to ±.004” (0.010 mm)


  • Lead times from 5 business days

See our sheet metal fabrication services
Injection molding Injection molded part
Injection molding

Prototypes and production tooling

  • Wide range of part complexities and sizes

  • 1 to 1M parts

See our injection molding capabilities

Put your 3D printed parts into production today

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