Protolabs Network
 | |
| Industry | Manufacturing, 3D printing, CNC machining, injection moulding |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Bram de Zwart Brian Garret Filemon Schöffer |
| Headquarters | |
| Owner | Protolabs |
Number of employees | 140 |
| Website | www.hubs.com |
Protolabs Network is an online manufacturing platform that provides businesses on-demand access to a global network of more than 250 manufacturing partners. It is part of Protolabs’ global manufacturing services, offering 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding and sheet metal fabrication.
Previously known as “3D Hubs”, and later “Hubs”, it was acquired by Protolabs in 2021 to provide expanded capabilities and volume pricing options to designers and engineers.
Company
Protolabs Network, formerly known as “3D Hubs”, was founded in Amsterdam in April 2013 by Bram de Zwart and Brian Garret, with Filemon Schöffer later joining the founding team. It was the world’s largest peer-to-peer network of 3D printing services. As the company grew, it added more capabilities and higher-volume production options, changing its name to “Hubs”. In January 2021, Minnesota-based Protolabs, a publicly traded custom part manufacturer, announced an agreement to acquire the company for $280 million in cash and stock, plus incentives. In January 2024, Hubs rebranded as Protolabs Network to reflect its integration with Protolabs. Protolabs’ technology-enabled factories in the US and Europe are complemented by its network’s expanded manufacturing capabilities, such as tighter tolerances and more complex parts.
Industry reports & initiatives
The company releases regular reports on leading trends and developments within the manufacturing industry, including the 3D Printing Trend Report and the Supply Chain Resilience Report.[1][2][3] Hubs also runs a yearly student grant with the aim of encouraging and supporting engineering students in their development of innovative projects.[4] In 2020, Hubs launched the COVID-19 Manufacturing fund, to help fund and manufacture vital protective equipment such as face shields for hospitals in need during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5][6]
Awards
- In 2014, Wired UK named 3D Hubs Startup of the Week.[7]
- In 2018, 3D Hubs won the Dutch market challenger award by Sprout.[8]
- In 2019 and 2020, Hubs was named amongst the Deloitte Fast 50 list of fastest growing technology companies in the Netherlands.[9][10]
- In 2020, 3D Hubs CEO Bram de Zwart was named in Business Insider's list of 100 leaders transforming business in Europe.[11][12]
See also
References
- ^ Griffiths, Laura (2020-01-30). "40% of online 3D printed parts in 2019 were for serial production says 3D Hubs". TCT Magazine. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ Nichols, Greg. "2020 predictions: 5 telling trends in 3D printing". ZDNet. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ Today, Industry (2020-08-10). "Supply Chain Resilience Report 2020". Industry Today. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ "Winners: 2019 3D Hubs Student Grant « Fabbaloo". Fabbaloo. 2019-07-17. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ "3D Hubs launches COVID-19 Manufacturing Fund to facilitate production of medical equipment". Tech.eu. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ "How startups are supporting Europe's coronavirus efforts". Sifted. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ WIRED (2014-09-12). "Startup of the Week: 3D Hubs". Wired UK. ISSN 1357-0978. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ "3D Hubs wint de Challenger50 van 2018". MT/Sprout (in Dutch). 2018-11-22. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ "Technology Fast 50 2020: The nominees | Deloitte". Deloitte Netherlands (in Dutch). Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ "Deloitte Technology Fast 50 2019: deze snelst groeiende technologiebedrijven maken kans | Over Deloitte | Deloitte Nederland". Deloitte Netherlands (in Dutch). Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ "Transforming Business | 300 People transforming business". Transforming Business. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ^ "Transforming Business | 300 People transforming business". Transforming Business. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
