One of the questions that are often raised in the user circle is “do I really require the rapid prototypes?” At the same time there are critics who consider rapid prototyping a misnomer. They do not believe in the concepts like the worlds fastest rapid prototype. For them rapid prototyping is just another technology to mimic the original with some specific business objectives.

Yes it is a misnomer. But it is not the concept of rapid prototyping that is a misnomer. On the contrary the objections to this exceptionally brilliant technology are the real misnomers. A look at the basic characteristics of rapid prototypes will clear the doubts in your mind. Normally rapid prototyping is controlled by the additive fabrications derived using the computers. Once you comprehend clearly the process of adding materials making it the part or full of an object replica, the bits start falling in place. You can easily assess whether the prototype produced will help improve your application or it would be better to avoid them.

Another argument that is advanced by the critics borders on absurdity. To them additive fabrication is never better than the traditional subtractive methods. Prototypes cannot become the complete replacements, they argue. In such argument they refer to the exceptional standards reached over the years by milling, turning, EDM and such other subtractive methods.

Unfortunately the critics fail to notice the evolution experienced by the process of rapid prototyping. The technique has reached a stage where you can Upload your STL file today and receive your part tomorrow. This is something beyond the reach of the traditional method. You cannot compete manually with computer after all.