Rapid prototyping is a process of creating a three-dimensional model of a product or part using additive manufacturing techniques. The model is built up layer by layer from a digital file, typically using a material such as plastic or metal. Rapid prototyping can be used to create models for testing and evaluation, or to create prototypes of final products. It is a relatively fast and cost-effective way to create complex models and parts, and can be used to create prototypes of products or parts that would be difficult or impossible to create using traditional manufacturing methods.
When to choose Rapid Prototyping
There are a few instances where rapid prototyping can be the best option. If time is of the essence and you need to get a product to market quickly, it can be a great solution. Additionally, if you are working on a complex product with multiple parts that need to fit together perfectly, it can help you create a working prototype to test out the design. Finally, if you need to create a custom part or component that is not available off-the-shelf, rapid prototyping can be used to create a one-off piece.