Rapid Prototyping (RP) is a technique for direct conversation of 3D CAD data into a physical prototype using a number of techniques, mostly based on slicing a three dimensional object into multiple two dimensional layers and building them up one layer at a time. Industries have been using RP techniques increasingly to reduce their product development cycle time. Having realized the potential of RP for prototyping applications, a large number of processes have been developed allowing the use of various materials ranging from plastics to metal for the development of prototypes.The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive collection of the latest research and technical work done in the area of Rapid Prototyping with the emphasis on its impact on both Rapid Tooling and Rapid Manufacturing. The key features in this book are:-Up-to-date documentation on the current scope of the research of Rapid Prototyping, Tooling and Manufacturing. -To provide the latest techniques and materials used for RP, RT and RM. -To provide methodologies and technologies to support in a customer-focused product design and mass customization approach to production.

Rapid prototyping techniques have been increasingly used by industry to reduce product development cycles. A large number of processes have been developed allowing the use of various materials ranging from plastics to metal for the development of prototypes. Rapid Prototyping: Theory and Practice provides a comprehensive collection of the latest research and technical work in the field with an emphasis on both rapid tooling and rapid manufacturing. Drawing upon the collective knowledge of renowned experts in the industrial engineering field, Ali Kamrani and Emad Abouel Nasr have assembled a wide ranging treatise on rapid prototyping that includes: Up to date documentation on the current scope of research on rapid prototyping, tooling and manufacturing. Methodologies and technologies to support a customer-focussed and mass customization approach to production. Detailed analysis and case studies of the application of rapid prototyping, rapid tooling and rapid manufacturing in fields such as medical and biomedical manufacturing, aerospace industry and automotive industry.

RP / RT / RM Processes.- Materials.- Applications.- Rapid Design and Manufacturing.