Novel materials and advanced processing techniques are transforming rapid prototyping into rapid manufacturing. FABRICATING COMPONENTS for research and development work presents a special problem. In general, the quantities required are very small, making the delays associated with traditional manufacturing processes unacceptable. Rapid prototyping has evolved specifically to address this challenge. Based on a variety of 'additive' processes, rapid prototyping can produce components in days, or sometimes hours, rather than weeks, and without extensive labour costs.
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