Rapid prototyping processing is one of the most popular prototype manufacturing methods for its high efficiency and little human input.
Most rapid-prototyping process involve the building of a model in layers (imagine an object being sliced into thin layers like ham, and then assembled together). When a CAD file is input into the software controlling the
rapid prototyping machine, it calculates the profile and area of each layer, and then duplicates the layer in the RP machine.
Generally, the major difference is in the material used to create the models. SLA (Stereo lithography) uses liquid polymer resins and cures them into solids with ultraviolet rays. FDM (Fused-Deposition Modeling) lays each layer with strands of near-molten ABS or PC, and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) uses a CO2 laser to fuse powder based materials together to create a solid prototype.
