<p>To add to the above answer, a very simple way to say it is that FMD 3d printer is a rapid prototyping machine which has a component called an extruder which pulls and melts plastic which the machine then lays down.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-03T00:14:58.263Z
2016-02-03T00:14:58.263Z
Leo Ervin
<p>A sintered metal printer is a version of a 3D printer that is rapid, but expensive. Seen 1 for 800,000$aud
Uses laser to melt metal particles like titanium.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-17T14:18:32.827Z
Welcome to Stach Exchange 3D Printing. I am wondering: how is your answer relevant to the question asked? Does it say anything about the difference between a rapid prototyping machine and a 3D printer? If it does, I don't think that comes clear from your answer. Remember that the Stack Exchange sites [are not forums](http://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/92107/is-stack-overflow-a-forum), but rather Q&A sites.
Tormod Haugene
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-18T00:33:16.703Z
@TormodHaugene it looks like it was an addition to Daniel's answer as LeoErvin did with his answer.
tbm0115
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-18T06:21:41.477Z
@tbm0115, I guess you could be right. Perhaps it would have been better as a comment. :)
Tormod Haugene
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-18T13:41:07.017Z
@TormodHaugene both probably would :)
tbm0115
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-17T07:55:42.360Z
2016-02-17T07:55:42.360Z
qtron
<p>All rapid prototyping means is automatically producing a physical part from a cad model. 3D printing is a way to achieve rapid prototyping. There are 2 main methods of rapid prototyping: additive, and subtractive.</p>

<p>A 3D printer is additive- you add materials to an object layer by layer.</p>

<p>Usually, when people talk about a subtractive machine, they are talking about a CNC mill (or lathe), which tend to be extremely large (most are over one ton). You start with all the material there, and you subtract the material that you don't want. This might be what you are thinking of.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-02T11:19:31.900Z
2016-02-02T11:19:31.900Z
Daniel M.
<p>In general 3D printers are compact and smaller than RP machines. That's ok. But, what's the difference? 3D printers can be used as RP machine too.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-02T11:53:11.073Z
Just curious- where did you hear that a 3DP is smaller than a RP machine? The context in which you heard/read it can clarify the question a bit.
Daniel M.
<rapid-prototyping>
Whats the difference between a basic rapid prototyping machine and a 3D printer?
Josip Ivic
# Whats the difference between a basic rapid prototyping machine and a 3D printer?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-02-02)

In general 3D printers are compact and smaller than RP machines. That's ok. But, what's the difference? 3D printers can be used as RP machine too.

**Tags:** rapid-prototyping

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Just curious- where did you hear that a 3DP is smaller than a RP machine? The context in which you heard/read it can clarify the question a bit.  

---

## 3 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-02-02. Score: 5 | Accepted answer

All rapid prototyping means is automatically producing a physical part from a cad model. 3D printing is a way to achieve rapid prototyping. There are 2 main methods of rapid prototyping: additive, and subtractive.

A 3D printer is additive- you add materials to an object layer by layer.

Usually, when people talk about a subtractive machine, they are talking about a CNC mill (or lathe), which tend to be extremely large (most are over one ton). You start with all the material there, and you subtract the material that you don't want. This might be what you are thinking of.


---

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-02-03. Score: 0

To add to the above answer, a very simple way to say it is that FMD 3d printer is a rapid prototyping machine which has a component called an extruder which pulls and melts plastic which the machine then lays down.


---

### Answer by username_3 on 2016-02-17. Score: -1

A sintered metal printer is a version of a 3D printer that is rapid, but expensive. Seen 1 for 800,000$aud
Uses laser to melt metal particles like titanium.

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: Welcome to Stach Exchange 3D Printing. I am wondering: how is your answer relevant to the question asked? Does it say anything about the difference between a rapid prototyping machine and a 3D printer? If it does, I don't think that comes clear from your answer. Remember that the Stack Exchange sites [are not forums](http://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/92107/is-stack-overflow-a-forum), but rather Q&A sites.  
> **username_5**: @username_4 it looks like it was an addition to username_1's answer as username_2 did with his answer.  
> **username_4**: @username_5, I guess you could be right. Perhaps it would have been better as a comment. :)  
> **username_5**: @username_4 both probably would :)  

---

