Rapid prototyping (RP) technology divides the complex three-dimensional machining of a solid into a series of layers, which greatly reduces the machining difficulty, and has the following characteristics:

　　（1）成型全過程的快速性，適合現代激烈的產品市場；

　　(1) The rapidity of the whole forming process is suitable for the fierce modern product market;

　　（2）可以制造任意復雜形狀的三維實體；

　　(2) It can be used to make 3D solid of any complex shape;

　　（3）用CAD模型直接驅動，實現設計與制造高度一體化，其直觀性和易改性為產品的 設計提供了優良的設計環境；

　　(3) With the direct drive of CAD model, the integration of design and manufacturing is realized. Its intuitiveness and easy modification provide a good design environment for product design;

　　（4）成型過程無需專用夾具、模具、刀具，既節省了費用，又縮短了制作周期。

　　(4) No special fixture, mould and cutter are needed in the forming process, which not only saves the cost, but also shortens the production cycle.

　　（5）技術的高度集成性，既是現代科學技術發展的必然產物，也是對它們的綜合應用，帶有鮮明的高新技術特征。

　　(5) The highly integrated technology is not only the inevitable product of the development of modern science and technology, but also the comprehensive application of them, with distinct high-tech characteristics.

　　以上特點決定了RP技術主要適合于新產品開發，快速單件及小批量零件制造，復雜形狀零件的制造，模具與模型設計與制造，也適合于難加工材料的制造，外形設計檢查，裝配檢驗和快速反求工程等。

　　The above characteristics determine that RP technology is mainly suitable for new product development, rapid single piece and small batch parts manufacturing, complex shape parts manufacturing, mold and model design and manufacturing, as well as for the manufacturing of difficult materials, shape design inspection, assembly inspection and rapid reverse engineering.