Rapid Prototyping 101

Rapid Prototyping Process Types

The three most popular processes currently used in a rapid prototyping system:

Selective Laser Sintering
This rapid prototyping process uses a powder that is fused by heat from a laser. A roller spreads the powder, the laser heats one layer of solid material, and the process is repeated until the object is fabricated.

Stereolithography
This rapid prototyping process uses a laser to draw a cross-section on the surface of liquid photosensitive resin. The laser partially cures the resin and produces one layer of solid material, and the process is repeated until the object is fabricated.

Fused Deposition Modeling
This rapid prototyping process extrudes and heats plastic. Each layer is allowed to cool and the process repeated until the object is fabricated.