The Best Protolabs Network (Hubs) Alternatives for CNC Machining Services

In the world of precision manufacturing, choosing the right CNC machining services can make or break your project in terms of cost, lead time, and quality. While Protolabs Network (formerly Hubs) is a well-known digital manufacturing platform, many engineers, procurement teams, and product designers are exploring CNC machining alternatives that better align with their needs - especially in the UK market. In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed comparison between Hubs and its alternatives, helping you choose the best fit for your needs.

Protolabs Network (Hubs) Overview

Protolabs Network, previously known as Hubs, has firmly established itself as one of the leading platforms for on-demand digital manufacturing. Known for its quick turnarounds and broad service offerings, Protolabs Network specializes in CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication. The platform offers access to a global network of vetted suppliers, providing customers with high-quality parts for both rapid prototyping and low-volume production.

Key Strengths

• Fast Turnaround: Protolabs Network is renowned for its ability to deliver parts quickly, making it ideal for projects with tight deadlines.
• Comprehensive Services: From CNC machining to 3D printing and injection molding, Protolabs Network covers a wide range of manufacturing processes.
• Online Quoting System: Users can upload 3D CAD files for instant pricing, which streamlines the ordering process and accelerates production timelines.
• Quality Control: The platform offers robust quality assurance measures, ensuring that parts meet the specified requirements.

Alternatives to Protolabs Network (Hubs) for CNC Machining Services 

Let’s explore some of the top alternatives to Protolabs Network (Hubs) for CNC machining services. Each of these platforms offers unique strengths and capabilities that might better suit your specific manufacturing needs. We'll help you make an informed decision.

Geomiq

Geomiq is a UK-based digital manufacturing platform specializing in CNC machining, rapid prototyping, and low to medium-volume production. Serving industries like automotive, medical devices, and consumer electronics, Geomiq offers a customer-first approach with a strong emphasis on precision and quality. The platform provides access to a network of vetted suppliers and ensures that each project meets international quality standards through ISO certifications.

Key Strengths

• Tailored Solutions: Geomiq excels at providing tailored solutions that match customer requirements, making it a great option for more specialized projects.
• Quality Assurance: With rigorous quality checks in place, Geomiq ensures that every part meets high manufacturing standards.
• Rapid Prototyping: Fast turnaround for prototypes, speeding up the design-to-market process.
• Custom Solutions: Geomiq provides tailored CNC machining, meeting your specific project needs with high attention to detail.
• Expert Support: Dedicated team to help optimize designs and ensure smooth production.
• Flexible Production: Ideal for low to medium-volume production with consistent quality and quick lead times.

Protolabs

Protolabs is a leading provider of digital manufacturing services, specializing in rapid prototyping and low-volume production. With a focus on speed, precision, and quality, Protolabs offers a range of services, including CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication. The company operates advanced manufacturing facilities and leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver high-quality parts in as fast as one day.

Key Strengths

• Fast Turnaround: Protolabs is renowned for its ability to deliver parts quickly.
• Comprehensive Services: From CNC machining to 3D printing and injection molding, Protolabs covers a wide range of manufacturing processes.
• Online Quoting System: Users can upload 3D CAD files for instant pricing, simplifying the ordering process and accelerating production timelines.
• Quality Control: The platform offers robust quality assurance measures, ensuring that parts meet the specified requirements.

Get It Made

Get It Made is a UK-based manufacturing company specializing in precision engineering and rapid prototyping. Established in 2011 and headquartered in London, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, bespoke parts across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, robotics, and medical sectors. 

Key Strengths

• Engineer-Led Service: Every project is reviewed by experienced engineers, ensuring precision and manufacturability.
• Reliable consistency: They send your parts to the same trusted factory, slotting in backup factories only when needed.
• Competitive pricing & transparency: Their cost model (with clear review and DFM check) often avoids hidden markups.
• Good for low-to-mid volumes: Especially when you don’t need ultra-fast (24h) turnaround but want dependable performance.
• Rapid Turnaround: Offers bespoke quotes within 24 hours and delivers parts ahead of schedule, with an average early delivery time of 1.5 days.

Fractory

Fractory is a UK-based cloud manufacturing platform that offers a comprehensive range of CNC machining services, including milling, turning, and sheet metal processing. Leveraging advanced technology, Fractory provides instant online quoting, real-time order tracking, and access to a network of vetted manufacturing partners. This approach aims to simplify the procurement process and enhance production efficiency for engineers and designers.

Key Strengths:

• Instant Online Quoting: Fractory's platform allows users to upload CAD files and receive immediate quotes, facilitating quick decision-making.
• Real-Time Order Tracking: Customers can monitor the progress of their orders in real-time, ensuring transparency and timely delivery.
• Comprehensive Service Offering: In addition to CNC machining, Fractory provides services such as laser cutting, metal bending, welding, and metal casting.
• Scalability: The platform supports both low-volume prototyping and high-volume production, catering to a wide range of manufacturing needs.

Geomiq: An Alternative to Protolabs Network (Hubs) for CNC Machining Services

Geomiq excels in delivering precision, flexibility, and cost-effective solutions, making it the perfect choice for businesses across industries requiring high-quality parts, rapid prototyping, and quick turnarounds.

With a network of over 1,100 trusted suppliers and an emphasis on personalized service, Geomiq provides tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each project. Whether you’re working on a prototype or scaling up production, Geomiq offers the agility, quality control, and efficiency needed to keep your project on track and within budget.

If you're looking for a CNC machining partner that combines precision, speed, and exceptional customer service, Geomiq can be your choice to bring your projects to life with confidence and efficiency.