3D Output Devices Face a Solid Future

摘要

3D output devices are often called Rapid Prototyping (RP) because of their ability to create solid prototypes from CAD files. However the term "rapid prototyping" is already anachronistic. 3D output devices are increasingly being used for low volume production and mass customization. RP will transition from "Rapid Prototyping" to "Rapid Production," according to Terry Wohlers, President of Wohlers Associates, Inc. of Fort Collins, CO, publisher of the Wohlers Report 2000. Wohlers is an analyst who specializes in 3D output technology.