Additive manufacturing: rapid prototyping comes of age

The purpose of this paper is to provide a personalised view by the Editors of the Rapid Prototyping Journal. It collects their years of experience in a series of observations and experiences that can be considered as a snapshot of where this technology is today. Development of these technologies has progressed according to application, materials and how the designers have applied their creativity to such a unique manufacturing tool. The paper predicts how the future of additive manufacturing will look from the perspective of three key elements: applications, materials and design.