Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping is the automatic construction of physical objects using solid freeform fabrication. Rapid Prototyping first came into use during the 1980s where it was used to produce models and prototype parts. In present day however, they are used to do a much larger range of applications. These include creating complex shapes for fine art, creating short term prototypes, and even manufacturing production quality parts in smaller numbers.
Rapid prototyping uses virtual models and designs from Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) or animation modeling software. It transforms the drawings into cross sections digitally and then finally creates each individual cross section from one of various materials, one cross section after the other until it is a completed model.