Computer Graphics in Rapid Prototyping Technology [Guest Editor's Introduction]

Rapid prototyping has been called "real virtuality" to emphasize its transformation of virtual objects from cyberspace into real objects. It also goes by "3D printing" to highlight the direct realization of a 3D object from an abstract graphics design, in contrast to the more usual 2D plotting of views. "Free-form fabrication" and "tool-less manufacturing" are commonly used descriptive terms. "Desktop manufacturing" and "3D hard copy" are seen in the lay press. Other variants include RPM for "rapid prototyping in manufacturing" and LMT for "layered manufacturing technologies." Whatever the name, the evolving use of RP technologies like stereolithography and selective laser sintering to quickly produce parts directly from a CAD surface or solid model is an innovative application area for computer graphics. From a designer's abstract computer model, these technologies now make it routinely possible to fabricate a 3D solid part in a matter of hours or days, rather than the weeks or months conventional production methods can take.