rapid prototyping

rapid prototyping

Building a part one layer at a time using a method of additive fabrication such as 3D printing. Such parts are used for concept modeling to determine if the product design meets the customer's expectations. The parts are also used for form, fit and function to make sure they work properly with other parts. Contrast with rapid manufacturing. See 3D printing. See also RAD.

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rapid prototyping [¦rap·əd ′prōd·ə‚tīp·iŋ]

(industrial engineering)

A modeling process used in product design in which a CAD drawing of a part is processed to create a file of the part in slices, and then a part is built by depositing layer (slice) upon layer of material; includes stereolithography, selective laser sintering, or fused deposition modeling.

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(programming)

rapid prototyping - The creation of a working model of a software module to demonstrate the feasibility of the function. The prototype is later refined for inclusion in a final product.