A discussion of the evolution of rapid prototyping (RP) into rapid manufacturing RM) and the changes in both mindset and approaches needed by designers to allow them to fully exploit, enjoy and take advantage of these new and emerging technologies is presented. The paper will examine the most recent developments and movements from the various RP and RM technologies, together with the emergent digital manufacturing (DM) from a designer's perspective. The paper will also include a discussion on how RM//RP/DM affords new design freedoms and the impact this has on the existing compliances used by designers for manufacture and assembly. This will encompass RM' potential for direct customer input and customization of individual products, the new production economics and aspects of supply chain management.

Author: Gay Penfold