One of the UK’s fastest growing digital manufacturers has begun work on a £10.5m investment that will increase its 3D printing capability by 50% to meet growing demand for this technology. Protolabs, which specialises in custom prototypes and low-volume production parts, is building a new 5000 sq m production facility in Putzbrunn, Germany, which will give customers even greater access to the firm’s automated manufacturing processes and quality systems.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic impacting economies across Europe, construction of the new building has started, with the initial shell scheduled to be completed by the end of December, and the fit-out and machinery due to be installed in several stages, beginning in May 2021. Up to 25 further machines will be added to the existing technology, while a CNC machining centre will be installed to support the finishing of 3D printed parts for high-end applications.
For further information www.protolabs.co.uk