Protolabs reported record quarterly revenue of $149.3 million in Q2 2026 and raised its full-year outlook, fueled by double-digit growth in computer numerical control (CNC) machining and injection molding as the manufacturer deepened relationships with larger customers.
Total revenue for its Q2 2026 ended June 30 was up 10.6% from $135.1 million a year earlier.
The Minnesota-based digital manufacturer subsequently raised its full-year revenue growth guidance to 8%-10% from 6%-8%.
“We delivered another strong quarter with record revenue, double-digit revenue growth, and both gross and operating margin expansion. More importantly, we are seeing increasing evidence that our strategy is gaining traction across the business, with larger strategic customers expanding their relationships with Protolabs,” president and chief executive officer Suresh Krishna said in a written statement.
Protolabs Q2 2026 results by category
CNC machining remained Protolabs’ largest and fastest-growing service line. CNC machining revenue grew 13.6% year over year to $70.4 million.
Injection molding revenue grew 12.9% to $53.6 million over the same period as a “standout performer,” Krishna told investors. Demand from data centers and aerospace in defense drove the growth, he added. “Injection Molding remains one of Protolabs’ key differentiated capabilities, and its accelerated growth is an encouraging proof point in our broader expansion strategy,” Krishna said.
3D printing was the only area to contract, declining 2.6% to $20.7 million. The continued softness in 3D printing echoes what Protolabs flagged earlier in the year. In Q1, the company said U.S. 3D printing growth was offset by weaker European demand and that it was making go-to-market changes to support growth in the segment due to declining demand in Europe.
Sheet metal grew 3.5% to $4.5 million, Protolabs shared without going into further detail.
Revenue per customer contact rises as total contacts fall
Revenue per customer contact rose 16.7% year over year in Q2. Total customer contacts were 20,630, down from 21,775 a year earlier. Moving toward more revenue from fewer customers reflects Protolabs’ ongoing strategic shift toward deeper relationships with larger accounts rather than high-volume transactional business, Krishna said.
That was a continuation of a trend in Q1, when revenue per contact rose 20.4% to $7,028 even as total customer contacts fell from 21,627 to 19,826.
Protolabs outlook for Q3 and full-year 2026
For Q3 2026, Protolabs expects revenue of between $145.0 million and $153.0 million. That would require 10% revenue growth year over year, which the company has met so far in the first half of 2026.
For the full year, the company raised its revenue growth guidance to 8% to 10%, up from its prior range of 6% to 8%.
The upgraded guidance reflects growing confidence in both its U.S. business and an early-stage European recovery.
“Through the first half of 2026, we have demonstrated that Protolabs can deliver strong financial performance while simultaneously transforming the business for the future,” Krishna said. “We are encouraged by the momentum we are seeing across customers, services, and regions.”
Check back for more earnings reports. Here’s last quarter’s update on Protolabs sales and revenue.
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