Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping (RPT) includes a variety of manufacturing technologies, although most utilise layered additive manufacturing. However, other technologies used for RP include high-speed machining, casting, moulding and extruding.

While additive manufacturing is the most common rapid prototyping process, other more conventional processes can also be used to create prototypes.

These processes include:

• Subtractive - whereby a block of material is carved to produce the desired shape using milling, grinding or turning.
• Compressive - whereby a semi-solid or liquid material is forced into the desired shape before being solidified, such as with casting, compressive sintering or moulding.