Rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing are emerging technologies to make functional prototypes and advanced products. They are used to fabricate products from different grades of polymers and metallic powders through layering or melting based on a product’s CAD model. They are used to make advanced products that cannot be manufactured using traditional techniques. These techniques can save time, reduce cost, and improve product’s manufacturing accuracy. Direct digital manufacturing is used to make a product directly after the design stage, without the need for process planning activities. The rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing lab focuses on three technologies:

1. 3D Printing
2. Fused Deposition
3. Electron Beam Melting