One-step prototyping: Rapid manufacturing

Rapid Prototyping methods currently in use are based on solidifying polymers by UV laser irradiation. The availability of these methods has altered the environment for product development as cycle times for component revisions are reduced from several days down to several hours. However, a common feature of most Rapid Prototyping Processes is that these parts are suitable for space studies but face severe restrictions for functionality tests. E.g., an exhaust part, made out of plastics, cannot be exposed to high temperature fumes. At this point, an intermediate step must be taken, original parts must be manufactured and tested, what often means casting of soft tools for these original parts. This second step, essentially a detour , is a characteristic feature of many such processes