Rapid prototyping quickly delivers prototypes that are constructed in an additive, layer-by-layer process that is driven by 3D CAD data. Since no chips are put on the floor and no mold or tool is required, rapid prototyping delivers physical representations of your complex designs in as little as one day.


On a corporate level, the benefit of rapid prototyping is that it is instrumental in slashing time-to-market while protecting product quality. The bottom line is increased market share and revenue.



The obvious benefit of rapid prototyping is speed. However, working closely with product development professionals, Accelerated Technologies has found that the real value of the rapid prototype is that it quickly delivers a better design communication tool.

The "real", physical prototype quickly and clearly communicates all aspects of a design. Eliminating ambiguity, rapid prototyping facilitates the early detection and correction of design flaws.

In its simplest form, the benefit of rapid prototyping is confidence in the integrity of the design. This confidence is best expressed as the peace-of-mind that results from a design that is completed on time and correctly.

Furthermore, rapid prototyping techniques can deliver parts in spec resins and spec alloys that allow for real world testing, bridge to production and short run production.


It is important to note that rapid prototyping has become a very loosely used term to define any process that reduces the time to receive a prototype. Machining, casting and molding techniques have all been loosely grouped under the rapid prototyping umbrella.

But, the true definition of rapid prototyping is those technologies that additively "grow" a design. Stereolithography and Selective Laser Sintering are two of the leading technologies that adhere to this definition.