Protolabs expands US capacity with four Colibrium M2 metal AM machines
Protolabs, headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota, USA, reports it significantly expanded its US manufacturing capacity in 2025, in response to rising domestic demand for metal additively manufactured parts. In addition to new equipment purchases, the company is also focussing on further industry certifications enabling it to serve a greater variety of applications within key growth segments.
Protolabs announced four new large-format, dual-laser Colibrium Additive M2 metal Additive Manufacturing machines to increase its metal AM capacity. The Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) AM machines can produce complex, lightweight structures, making it an ideal fit for the medical device, aerospace, and defence industries, which often utilise advanced metal AM for end-use production applications.
The new machines were installed at a recently opened facility in Raleigh, North Carolina. The 11,000 m2 factory features nearly 40 PBF-LB machines, with production capacity of more than 8,000 parts per month.
With medical device, aerospace, and defence industries leading adoption of metal Additive Manufacturing, Protolabs also recently gained ISO 13485 certification for its DMLS production facility and AS9100D for aerospace manufacturing.
Suresh Krishna, President and CEO of Protolabs, commented, “Protolabs’ comprehensive Additive Manufacturing capabilities have made us the preferred partner for 3D‑printed parts in the US. We’re sustaining our lead by listening to our customers and responding by investing in technologies that will continue to drive innovation.”
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At a recent open house, leaders from the medical and aerospace industries gathered to discuss with Additive Manufacturing experts how Protolabs’ suite of metal AM technologies, secondary services, and engineering support benefits the product development process.
Kenny Capps, director of 3D printing manufacturing operations, shared, “Fundamentally, Protolabs’ 3D printing capacity, expertise, and reputation for speed and quality offer a compelling combination for businesses in these sectors, whether it be rapid prototyping or final production.”
