Rapid Prototyping :- Rapid prototyping (RP) quickly creates a physical part directly from its CAD model data using various manufacturing techniques. Rapid prototyping can be used at any stage of the product development cycle for any components or sub-components. Prototyping can be repeated numerous times along the new product design process using the test data to achieve the desired part.

Advantages of Rapid Prototyping (RP) :-

• Faster new product development – Rapid prototyping plays a vital role in the process of creating successful products because it speeds up the new product development process
• Early-stage design/concept validation of the form, fit, and function of the design
• Final stage product verification against the technical requirement and business objectives
• It allows functionality testing to test the objectives of the concept and to finalise the product specification
• The prototype gives the end-user, client, customer, user participants hands-on user experience to get feedback

Rapid prototyping applications are :-

• Visual prototypes
• Concept models
• Functional prototypes
• Pre-production prototypes
• Production tools prototypes
• Production moulds for prototypes

Disadvantages of rapid prototyping :-

• Lack of accuracy – If the function of the product relies heavily on the accuracy of the parts, then rapid prototype parts and assembly might not be able to f the same accuracy
• Added initial costs – Rapid prototyping costs money due to technologies used and faster turnaround required.
• Some rapid prototyping processes are still expensive and not economical
• Reduced material properties like surface finish and strength
• Rapid prototyping required skilled labour
• Limited material range
• Overlooking some key features because they cannot be prototyped affects the prototype testing
• End-user confusion, customers mistaking it for the finished project/developer misunderstanding of user objectives