Rapid prototype

Rapid prototyping is a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a physical part or assembly using 3D files before building tools.

Rapid Prototyping uses a standard data interface, implemented as the STL file format, to translate from the CAD software to the 3D prototyping machine. The STL file approximates the shape of a part or assembly using triangular facets. Typically, Rapid Prototyping systems can produce 3D models within a few hours.