FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of working with Protolabs? Why should I choose your company to manufacture my parts?
Our industrial 3D printing, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication and injection molding services provide parts made directly from our customers’ 3D CAD models, reducing the potential for error. Proprietary software automatically generates toolpaths to reduce manufacturing time and cost.
Which companies do you work with?
Due to the proprietary and competitive nature of the projects we work on, we do not disclose client lists. However, we do receive permission to share customer success stories on a regular basis. Read our success stories here.
Do I need a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to do business with Protolabs?
Doing business with Protolabs does not require an NDA. We use state-of-the-art encryption when uploading your CAD models to our website, and anything you upload is protected by confidentiality obligations. For more information, please contact your account representative.
Which industries use Protolabs services?
We serve a variety of industries, including medical devices, automotive, lighting, aerospace, technology, consumer products and electronics.
When should machining be used instead of injection molding?
Before investing in manufacturing injection molds or high-volume machining processes, you may want to test parts as close to production parts as possible. CNC machining is the best option for this situation.
Additionally, engineers often only need one or a few parts for a test fixture, assembly jig, or assembly jig. Machining is also the best option here, but traditional machine shops often charge substantial non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees for programming and fixtures. This NRE fee often makes it unaffordable to obtain very small quantities of the product. The automated CNC machining process eliminates upfront NRE costs and is able to offer quantities as low as one part at a reasonable price, with parts in your hands within 1 day.
Injection molding is better suited to support functional or market testing, bridging tooling, or high volume samples for low-volume production. If you need parts before making steel tools (usually 6 to 10 weeks with other moldmakers), or if your volume requirements do not justify expensive steel production tools, we can supply production parts to meet all your requirements (Up to 10,000+ parts) 1 to 15 days.
How many machines do you have?
We currently have over 1,000 milling machines, lathes, 3D printers, presses, bending machines and other manufacturing equipment. With our long history of growth, this number has been changing.
Are my parts made in the USA?
We currently have 12 manufacturing plants in the US, Europe and Japan, all producing components.
Why do you have manufacturing plants in other countries?
We manufacture all parts for North America in our US facility. We also ship internationally from our US facility to many other countries. Our manufacturing facility in the UK supports all European countries and our Japan facility is made exclusively for Japan.
How do I get a quote?
To get a quote for all our services, simply upload a 3D CAD model on our website. You’ll get an interactive quote within hours with free design feedback. If there are problem areas in a submitted design, our quote engine provides details about potential manufacturing issues and suggests possible solutions.
Can I quote my portion for all services at once?
You can get a quote for injection molding and machining, but you need to request a second quote for 3D printing.
What types of documents do you accept?
We can accept native SolidWorks (.sldprt) or ProE (.prt) files as well as from other CAD systems in IGES (.igs), STEP (.stp), ACIS (.sat) or Parasolid (.x_t or .x_b) formats. We can also accept .stl files. Two-dimensional (2D) drawings are not accepted.
I don’t have a 3D CAD model. Can you create one for me?
We do not currently offer any design services. If you need help creating a 3D CAD model of your idea, please email us and we will provide you with contact information for a designer familiar with our process.
Does Protolabs offer finishing options and secondary machining through its services?
Enhanced finishing options and secondary processes are available for 3D printing, sheet metal and injection molding processes. We do not currently offer secondary machining of CNC machining.
Do you offer First Article Inspection (FAI) services?
We offer FAI for machined and molded parts.
Can RJC make blueprints for me?
We do not provide design services. You are responsible for submitting 2D and 3D CAD drawings, then we can provide a manufacturing design review upon receipt of your order. Read how to prepare CAD drawings for manufacturing.
What type of design documents does RJC accept for quotation?
In order to provide accurate and timely quotations, we only accept 3D CAD files in STL, STEP or IGES format. 2D drawings with reference dimensions must be in PDF format. We must receive complete manufacturing information as part of this technical document. Informal communications via SMS, Skype, email, etc. will not be considered available for manufacturing purposes.
How long will a quote take?
In most cases, we will respond within a few days of receiving the RFQ. If the quotation is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Can I use my own materials for production?
Yes, as long as it matches the capabilities of our machines, customer-supplied materials are fine.
Can I use my own master model to make a vacuum cast or CNC machined copy?
Yes, the master model is used to create silicone molds for vacuum casting and can be made from any rigid solid that can withstand high temperatures up to 100°C. Models for CNC machining are 3D scanned to create CAD/CAM programs for production.
How do I know my designs will be kept secret?
We will of course sign and abide by any nondisclosure or nondisclosure agreements. We also have a strict policy in the factory that no photos of customers’ products are allowed without explicit permission. Ultimately, we rely on our reputation for working with hundreds of thousands of unique designs over the years and never allow any proprietary information to be disclosed to third parties.
How does RJC compare to other suppliers on price?
While direct comparisons are difficult, Star Rapid’s prices for injection mold tools and CNC machined/turned parts are typically 25-45% lower when compared to North American and European suppliers.
Compared to Chinese suppliers, we choose not to compete on price, but to provide the highest level of quality, fast response and professional results.
Is the delivery time working days or calendar days?
Delivery times are in calendar days. In accordance with our terms and conditions, quoted lead times will only begin to count upon completion and confirmation of the design for manufacturing review and the start of actual production.
How fast can I get my parts?
If you provide us with full 2D and 3D CAD models, you can manufacture quality parts in as little as two weeks. Needing more complex parts or other special features will take longer. Request a quote based on your project for a more accurate delivery time.
As for shipping, most of our shipments are shipped by air, which can take a few days from China to Europe or North America.
What tolerances can RJC achieve?
There is no one set of given tolerances that fits all processes and materials. In each case, your final tolerance will depend on many factors, including but not limited to:
- Part size
- Design Geometry
- Number, type and size of features
- Material)
- Surface treatment
- Manufacturing process
After confirming your order, we will review your design and provide the design for manufacturing review, noting any areas where we may not be able to meet your required tolerances. It would be helpful if you could specify which areas of the design have critical tolerances that must be met, and which areas can be modified slightly if needed to reduce the time and cost involved. Here are some general tolerance guidelines:
- General tolerances for CNC machining of metals and plastics
- Reference charts for CNC metal and plastic injection molding materials
- Estimated shrinkage of vacuum casting is +/- 0.15%
All manufacturing and technical specifications need to be clearly specified in the 2D drawings in order to be followed.
How does RJC ensure the quality of my parts?
- Once your order is confirmed, we will conduct a full Design for Manufacturing (DFM) review to point out any issues our engineers believe may affect the quality of your part.
- All incoming materials are checked and verified by a set of testing equipment.
- Final inspection report before shipment.
- We are able to share inspection data with you in real time, so we can work together to resolve any quality issues you may have during production.
What type of finish does RJC offer?
We offer a wide variety of finishing services to achieve virtually any look and feel of your part. We offer metal treatment, metal and plastic painting, and more.
Can RJC passivate my parts?
Passivation is a treatment that alters the chemical properties of certain metal surfaces. We offer passivation for corrosion protection, durability, cosmetics and more.
Can RJC provide optical quality to my plastic parts?
Yes. We offer a special steam polishing service to achieve high transparency for your clear plastic parts.
Does RJC provide insurance for the delivered goods?
No, we do not insure deliveries. However, you are free to use your own insurance.
How much import duty do I need to pay for my goods?
There is no single answer to this question, but some rules apply. For Australian customers, the new CHAFTA regulations allow for the gradual rollout of duty-free imports into Australia. Import duties vary widely from country to country and depend on the type of goods imported. Most countries in the world comply with the International Harmonized System (HS) code, which classifies almost all commercially traded goods.
What is the China import/export code for RJC?
RJC China Import and Export Code:
What are RJC’s terms of carriage?
Our standard terms are ex-works (EXW) for rapid prototyping and regular production orders. This means that once the goods leave our premises, the customer will be responsible for shipping, customs clearance and all other associated costs.
For express delivery, we use Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU), which means that the customer is responsible for paying import duties when the goods arrive at your destination.
Does RJC provide export molds?
Yes. However, we must state that our tooling is made in accordance with our Modular Unit Tooling (MUD). This means they are a uniform base size, so customers must be prepared to receive tools of that size to fit their own machines.
What if I am not completely satisfied with the part I received?
We warrant our materials and workmanship according to the terms of the initial order and the information you provide. Any disputes based on subjective judgment should be brought to the attention of management, who will act in good faith to provide you with complete satisfaction. Our continued business depends on earning your confidence in our ability to meet and exceed any reasonable expectations.
Can my company get credit with RJC?
Rapid prototyping customers must pay in advance for the first three orders, after which we will consider giving a 30-day credit. Except in very special cases, all mold orders require a 50% deposit in advance. The balance must normally be paid after sample T1 approval.
How do I pay RJC?
RJC accepts two payment methods:
- Bank-to-bank wire transfers. RJC has accounts in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China.
- RJC can send you a PayPal invoice, which you can pay using your PayPal account or credit card.
What is RJC’s DUNS number?
For commercial identification purposes, our DUNS number is: .
What is RJC’s business registration number?
Star Rapid’s Hong Kong Business Registration Number is: .
What are RJC’s CNC machining capabilities?
We mill and turn small numbers of parts very quickly. Typical quantities are 1 to 200 pieces, and manufacturing time is 1 to 3 business days. We provide product developers with parts machined from engineering-grade materials suitable for functional testing or end-use applications.
What is unique about RJC’s process?
Our quotation process is unprecedented in the machining industry. We develop proprietary quoting software that runs on large computing clusters and generates the CNC toolpaths needed to machine parts. The result is a quick, easy and simple way to get a quote and order machined parts.
What is the typical cost of RJC machined parts?
Prices start at around $65, but the best way to do this is to submit a 3D CAD model and get a quote. Because we use proprietary software and automated fixture processes, there are no upfront non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs. This makes it cost-effective to purchase quantities as low as 1 to 200 parts. Compared to 3D printing, the price is slightly higher, but machining provides improved material properties and surfaces.
How does the quotation process work?
After sending the 3D CAD model to us, I calculate the price of making your design in various materials and then generate a “milled view” of your part. Offers a quote that allows you to evaluate options in different materials and quantities, as well as a 3D view of your machined part compared to the original model, with any differences highlighted.
What processing materials does RJC stock?
We stock a wide range of plastic and metal materials, from ABS, nylon, PC and PP to stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass. View a complete list of over 40 stock materials for milling and turning. Currently, we do not accept processing materials from customers.
What is the processing capability of RJC? How big can my parts be?
For information on part dimensions and other considerations for milling and turning, see our Design Guidelines for Milling and Design Guidelines for Turning.
Why should I machine my part instead of 3D print it?
Machined parts have the true properties of the material you choose. Our process allows you to machine parts from solid plastic and metal blocks in the same time frame, if not faster than 3D printed parts.
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