What is 3D PRINTING or Rapid prototyping?

 What is RAPID PROTOTYPING? Or 3D PRINTING 

It is a process that creates parts in an additive, layer-by-layer manner.

A special class of machine technology that quickly produces models and prototype parts

from 3-D data using an additive approach to form the physical models.

Rapid prototyping (RP) is a relatively new class of technology used for building physical models and prototype parts from 3D CAD data. Unlike CNC machines tools, which are subtractive in nature, RP systems join together liquid, powder and sheet materials to form complex parts. Layer by layer, RP machines fabricate plastic, wood, ceramic, and metal objects based on thin horizontal cross sections taken from a computer model

WHY USE RP?

The obvious benefit of rapid prototyping is speed.

Rapid prototyping quickly delivers a better design communication tool, the physical prototype quickly and clearly communicates all aspects of a design.

Rapid prototyping facilitates the early detection and correction of design flaws

In its simplest form, the benefit of rapid prototyping is confidence in the integrity of the design.

Growth of RP in Last 10 Years

10 Years ago

Eleven companies manufactured and sold RP machines. Four were from the US, four from Japan, and one each from Germany and Israel

RP system manufacturers in total sold 157 machines worldwide. Sales of RP products and services were an estimated 599.3 million.

Worldwide, about 80 companies operated as RP service providers.

Thirty-eight universities government laboratories and corporations around the globe had researched or developed some spect of RP schoology

Today

Last year. 28 compasses maufactured and sold RP machines: Eleven were hom the US seven from Japan, four from Germany, three from China, and one each from Singapore, Sweden, and Israel In 2003, sales me expected to exceed 1,400 units. Sales for 2003 were forecast at 5590 million.

At the end of 2001, an estimated 397 service providers were in place.

Through the end of last year, a conservative estimate of more than 500 organization worldwide had developed some facet of RP equipment, software, or materials technology A$1,000 prototype in 1993 now sells for as linle as $150 to $250.