Protolabs expands U.S. metal 3D printing capacity

Protolabs (PRLB) has significantly expanded its U.S. manufacturing capacity in 2025 in response to rising domestic demand for metal 3D-printed parts. The multi-pronged approach includes investing in increased additive manufacturing capacity for scalability and focused industry certifications to serve a greater variety of applications within key segments. Protolabs recently added four large-format, dual-laser Colibrium Additive M2 metal printers to allow for more metal 3D printing capacity. The technology can produce complex, lightweight structures, making it an ideal fit for medical device, aerospace, and defense industries that often tap into advanced metal 3D printing for end-use production applications. The new printers were installed at a recently opened Raleigh, North Carolina facility dedicated to direct metal laser sintering printing. One of the largest in the nation, the 120,000 sq. ft. factory features nearly 40 DMLS printers, with production capacity of more than 8,000 parts monthly.