What does rapid prototyping rely on?

Rapid prototyping primarily relies on additive manufacturing technology. This process allows for the creation of physical models from digital designs by adding material layer by layer. It typically involves techniques such as 3D printing, which can produce complex shapes and intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. Additive manufacturing is advantageous in rapid prototyping because it minimizes material waste and significantly speeds up the production timeline, enabling rapid iterations and adjustments to designs.

In contrast, traditional manufacturing techniques, subtractive manufacturing methods, and manual assembly processes are generally slower and may not offer the same level of design flexibility. Traditional techniques often involve machining and tooling, which can be time-consuming and require significant setup changes for different prototypes. Subtractive methods remove material, which can lead to waste and limits the complexity of geometries. Manual assembly processes often rely on individual craftsmanship, which can restrict the speed and scalability that rapid prototyping aims to achieve.