Rapid prototyping (RP) technology divides the complex three-dimensional machining of a solid into a series of layers, which greatly reduces the machining difficulty, and has the following characteristics:

　　（1）成型全過程的快速性，適合現(xiàn)代激烈的產(chǎn)品市場(chǎng)；

　　(1) The rapidity of the whole forming process is suitable for the fierce modern product market;

　　（2）可以制造任意復(fù)雜形狀的三維實(shí)體；

　　(2) It can be used to make 3D solid of any complex shape;

　　（3）用CAD模型直接驅(qū)動(dòng)，實(shí)現(xiàn)設(shè)計(jì)與制造高度一體化，其直觀性和易改性為產(chǎn)品的 設(shè)計(jì)提供了優(yōu)良的設(shè)計(jì)環(huán)境；

　　(3) With the direct drive of CAD model, the integration of design and manufacturing is realized. Its intuitiveness and easy modification provide a good design environment for product design;

　　（4）成型過程無需專用夾具、模具、刀具，既節(jié)省了費(fèi)用，又縮短了制作周期。

　　(4) No special fixture, mould and cutter are needed in the forming process, which not only saves the cost, but also shortens the production cycle.

　　（5）技術(shù)的高度集成性，既是現(xiàn)代科學(xué)技術(shù)發(fā)展的必然產(chǎn)物，也是對(duì)它們的綜合應(yīng)用，帶有鮮明的高新技術(shù)特征。

　　(5) The highly integrated technology is not only the inevitable product of the development of modern science and technology, but also the comprehensive application of them, with distinct high-tech characteristics.

　　以上特點(diǎn)決定了RP技術(shù)主要適合于新產(chǎn)品開發(fā)，快速單件及小批量零件制造，復(fù)雜形狀零件的制造，模具與模型設(shè)計(jì)與制造，也適合于難加工材料的制造，外形設(shè)計(jì)檢查，裝配檢驗(yàn)和快速反求工程等。

　　The above characteristics determine that RP technology is mainly suitable for new product development, rapid single piece and small batch parts manufacturing, complex shape parts manufacturing, mold and model design and manufacturing, as well as for the manufacturing of difficult materials, shape design inspection, assembly inspection and rapid reverse engineering.