Protolabs Launches ProDesk: An AI-Enabled Manufacturing Platform for Faster Prototyping to Production
MINNEAPOLIS - Feb 17, 2026. Protolabs has introduced ProDesk, an online platform built to compress the time and effort between concept, prototype, and production-grade parts.
ProDesk brings AI-driven quoting with Design For Manufacturability (DFM) analysis, shared workspaces for teams, and tools that support both early prototypes and repeat production orders-all in one place.
What ProDesk Does
- AI DFM analysis, instantly: Get manufacturability feedback across injection molding, CNC machining, and 3D printing before your part hits the floor. Helpful if you want to cut rework loops and lock in geometry earlier. Learn more about DFM principles here.
- Configurable quotes, in real time: Select materials, secondary ops, and finishes; see pricing update immediately. Lead times are included in the quote so you can balance turn-time and budget without email back-and-forth.
- Production Catalog: Mark parts as production-ready, organize SKUs, and reorder fast. Keep specs, order history, and documentation tied to each part.
- Collaboration built in: Share quotes and orders, track status and shipments, and give teammates access to the Production Catalog. Everyone sees the same data.
- Support, centralized: A single hub for orders, billing, and quality docs, plus direct access to Protolabs application engineers and service-line DFM guides.
- Real-time dashboard: Log in and see recent orders, updates, and actions without digging through inboxes.
Why This Matters for Product Development
- Fewer redesign cycles: Immediate DFM flags help you adjust models before they become expensive changes.
- Faster quote-to-order: Pricing and lead times update as you tweak specs, which reduces lag in procurement and planning.
- Tighter team coordination: Engineering, ops, and sourcing work from the same quotes, parts, and order history.
- Smoother ramp to production: Once a part is proven, move it into the Production Catalog and reorder without resetting context.
How to Use ProDesk on Your Next Build
- Upload your model and run the automated DFM check for your chosen service (molding, CNC, or 3D printing).
- Configure materials, finishes, and secondary operations while watching price and lead time adjust.
- Share the quote with your team to lock specs and timing; capture feedback in one place.
- Place the prototype order; document learnings and updates in the part record.
- Move validated parts into the Production Catalog for quick, repeatable reorders.
According to Protolabs leadership, ProDesk is built to support quality parts across the full product life cycle and to modernize how customers work with the company online. The company expects tens of thousands of customers to use the platform this year to speed up development timelines.
Who Benefits Most
- Product developers and engineers: Rapid DFM checks, faster quote cycles, and clear handoffs.
- Operations: Predictable lead times and visibility across orders and shipments. If you're formalizing AI-enabled ops, see AI for Operations.
- Procurement: Real-time pricing, standardized specs, and easy reorders. For skills development, explore the AI Learning Path for Procurement Specialists.
Where to Try It
ProDesk is available now at Protolabs. If you're building out an AI-enabled product dev workflow, you may also find this resource useful: AI for Product Development.
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