What is 3D Printing/Rapid Prototyping?
Rapid prototyping is a fabrication technique that starts with a 3D computer model of an object, and ends with a physical prototype of that model. To make the prototype, a 3D printer slices the computer model into many thin horizontal sections, which are then extruded or cut into physical layers, and either re-assembled or laid down on top of each other. Rapid prototyping has many different uses, from testing product designs to making working parts to creating sculptures. See the Links page for more detailed descriptions of the process.
