Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.
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- How does additive manufacturing differ from rapid prototyping?
Additive Manufacturing (AM) refers to a family of processes that create three-dimensional objects by successively adding material layer by layer, often from digital models like CAD files. It encompasses technologies such as 3D printing, stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and fused deposition modeling (FDM), and is used for both prototyping and producing end-use parts.Rapid Prototyping (RP) is a set of techniques aimed at quickly fabricating physical models or scale parts from 3D CAD data to validate designs, test functionality, or iterate concepts early in development. While RP often relies on AM methods, it can also include subtractive processes like CNC machining or casting.
Key Differences
While the two concepts overlap—RP frequently employs AM as its primary method—they differ in scope, purpose, and application. Below is a comparison:
In practice, AM has become the dominant enabler of modern RP due to its speed and flexibility, but RP's broader definition allows for non-additive alternatives when needed for specific materials or tolerances. This distinction helps teams choose the right approach based on project stage and requirements.