Rapid prototyping: from product development to medicine and beyond

This paper discusses the current status of layer-based manufacturing rapid prototyping (RP) technology and how it is currently being implemented as a tool for product development (PD). A discussion on RP for PD is given, focusing on the limitations of existing technology. The paper then goes on to discuss the specific application field of medicine, explaining how this application may influence changes in the technology. Future trends for RP development are then discussed with further consideration for software issues in future applications and how the technology is being accepted worldwide.