Recent Developments

• Stratasys Launches Prodigy and Maxum
• Z Corp. Presents the First Commercial Color RP System
• Quickparts.Com Launches RP Industry's First Business-to-Business Web Site
• 3D Systems Delivers Largest-Ever RP Contract
• Stereolithography Finds Dental Applications
• Novel RP Technique Produces Models from Ice
• EOS Strengthens Its Position
• Researchers Develop New RP Materials
• SDI Launches New Rapid-Tooling System

Updates

Importance of the Technology

The Technology in Brief

• Advantages of RP
• Disadvantages of RP
• Technology Choices in the RP Process
• RP Systems and Development
• Concept Modelers
• Computer Software
• Materials

Commercial Development Parameters

• General Constraints
• Demand Factors
• Synergistic Technologies
• Competing Technologies
• Required Resources
• Regulatory Factors

Areas to Monitor

• 3-D CAD
• Virtual Prototyping
• RP-Machine Choices
• Concept Modelers
• Direct RP of Ceramics
• Direct RP of Metals
• Functionally Graded Materials
• Rapid Tooling
• Accuracy
• Micromachining
• The Internet and Internet-Based Software
• Service Bureaus
• Industrial Designers
• Medical Applications
• Rapid Manufacturing
• Personal Factory

Implications

• Time-to-Market Pressures to Move to RP
• RP to Assist Creativity and Innovation
• RP and the Design Envelope
• Acquisition of RP Capabilities
• Continuous Upgrades Necessary to Meet Future RP Needs
• RP and Potential Mass Customization

Market Development

• Europe
• Japan

Applications

• Automobiles
• Aerospace
• Medical Devices and Implants
• Electrical and Electronics
• Recreation Equipment and Toys
• Casting and Molding
• Rapid Tooling
• EDM Tooling
• Reverse Engineering and Design Verification
• 3-D Imaging
• RP of CT and MRI Data
• Modeling of Industrial Processes
• Micromachining
• Architecture
• Rapid Manufacturing

Players