9.4 Rapid prototyping Rapid prototyping is the transformation of
product designs into physical prototypes. Rapid prototyping
relies on techniques such as cross-functional teams, data
sharing, and advanced computer and communication technology—for
example, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing,
stereolithography, and data links. Rapid prototyping involves
producing prototypes on production equipment as often as
possible. It improves product development times and allows for
cheaper and faster product testing, assessment of the ease and
cost of assembly, and validation before actual production
tooling. Rapid prototyping also includes the transformation of
system designs into computer system prototypes, in which a user
can experiment to determine the capability of a design to
address his or her needs.