Rapid technologies in automotive engineering approaches for product development

Rapid Technology refers to generative layer manufacturing processes that are able to build appropriate physical objects directly from a three-dimensional data model. These objects can serve as models and prototypes, moulds and tools or devices. There are more than a dozen different Rapid Technologies, and they vary in terms of processible materials and the product characteristics achieved. The Fraunhofer Insti- tute for Factory Operation and Automation (IFF) assesses product and process evaluation using physical prototypes.