The maturing of rapid prototyping: Market for additive fabrication passes $1billion

Abstract

Purpose

Rapid Prototyping, or additive fabrication (AF) technology as it is now more commonly known, has developed significantly in the past few years. Maturing AF processes, such as stereolithography, laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, and 3D Printing now offer the ability to build, layer and layer, and relatively quickly and cheaply, prototype or final use parts in plastic, metal, ceramic or composites. As a result the technology is increasingly having a major impact on the innovation, design and manufacturing practices in a rapidly growing number of companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

In particular, the AF technology that is capturing industry attention at present is 3‐D printing. This technology is clearly no longer a novelty, and as numerous examples show it can now become an extremely effective addition to the innovation and product development aids employed by companies large and small.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2009), "The maturing of rapid prototyping: Market for additive fabrication passes $1billion", Strategic Direction, Vol. 25 No. 8, pp. 38-40. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540910968580