Rapid prototyping for direct manufacture

Introduces the concept of using technologies collectively known as rapid pr ototyping (RP) for the manufacture of end-use products rather than prototyp es, and presents recent examples. Gives details of a cost analysis performe d by De Montfort University and Delphi Automotive Systems (France). Discuss es the findings from the cost analysis along with opinions generated from a n Internet based conference held from November 2000 to January 2001. The co mbination of findings from the cost analysis with expert opinions generated by the Internet conference have helped to identify the potential future fo r rapid manufacturing. In particular covers the issues of material properti es, quality control and identification of suitable products.