Rapid prototyping (RP) is a new manufacturing technique that allows for fast fabrication of computer models designed with three-dimension (3D) computer aided design (CAD) software. RP is used in a wide variety of industries, from shoe to car manuf...

Rapid prototyping (RP) is a new manufacturing technique that allows for fast fabrication of computer models designed with three-dimension (3D) computer aided design (CAD) software. RP is used in a wide variety of industries, from shoe to car manufacturers. This technique allows for fast realizations of ideas into functioning prototypes, shortening the design time, leading towards successful final products. RP technique comprise of two general types: additive and subtractive, each of which has its own pros and cons. Subtractive type RP or traditional tooling manufacturing process is a technique in which material is removed from a solid piece of material until the desired design remains. Examples of this type of RP includes traditional milling, turning/lathing or drilling to more advanced versions - computer numerical control (CNC), electric discharge machining (EDM). Additive type RP is the opposite of subtractive type RP. Instead of removing material, material is added layer upon layer to build up the desired design such as stereolithography, fused deposition modeling (FDM), and 3D printing.