Traditional methods of creating new products are being challenged by the rise of 'rapid' techniques and technologies. A COMPANY wanting to engage in 'rapid manufacturing' now has a wide choice of machines, processes and technologies for getting its product ideas quickly into production. What many of these processes are essentially about is 'growing' parts out of minuscule pieces, as opposed to traditional manufacturing methods of machining, shaping or injection-moulding materials. Commonly, rapid manufacturing (also known as rapid prototyping) involves using laser technology to solidify or shape liquids or materials very precisely. Imagine being able to produce an object with a latticework interior simply by programming a machine to create this shape out of liquid plastic - removing the need to create and use a cast.
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