Rapid Prototyping – The Future

Abstract

Highlights the future potential of rapid prototyping (RP) and manufacturing around the world. The US manufacturing industry may be on the rebound; this will help accelerate the sale of RP systems. Strong market growth in the US and, to a lesser extent, Europe and Japan, will come as a result of awareness, erasing myths, technical enhancements, personnel and organizational issues, complimentary processes and technologies and CAD solid modelling. The ratio of price to performance will continue to improve, but not as dramatically as it has in the past. New RP products will be made available in 1994 and 1995. As the market expands, entrepreneurs will identify niche opportunities for after‐market products. The prospects for growth in the RP industry are now better than ever.