The technology is growing with the speed of light, with the advancement in every sector; this leads to the birth of various methods of production and development. This advancement in industries is beneficial for many of the designers and engineers, processing 3D printing, and rapid prototyping. These terms somehow have similarities as both of the processes are used to create models from STL data layer by layer, But the different factors between the processes are discussed below;

3D printing is a process that undertakes digital 3D models that are used to turn it into a physical object. In this process, various printing technologies like print head, nozzle, etc. are been used to fabricate the object. Whereas Rapid prototyping is a manufacturing application used to create a model in a short period than a conventional process. Additive manufacturing technology and 3D printing is used in RP.

3D printing and rapid prototyping can differ in terms of cost. Rapid prototyping cost much higher than 3D printing when compared based on machine depreciation, raw material used, labor, and system maintenance. And 3D printer can cost you just a few thousand dollars; it is much cheaper to use 3D printing than to maintain a rapid prototyping system which costs around $10,000 a year.

3D printers are not complex and can be handled conveniently, it requires minimal training as compared to rapid prototyping it is not easy to use; its parameters are not easy to adjust.  Along with this 3D printing process doesn’t extensive variety of raw material used, it is limited to PVC through the array of materials used in 3D printing is increasing. Rapid prototyping is much expensive regarding raw material used as well.

But rapid prototyping is preferred by many of the manufacturers although it pushes their expenses higher because it gives them accuracy. The level of accuracy in the process of rapid prototyping is higher than 3D printing.  RP System performs well regarding authentic results due to a larger degree of geometry and more advanced specific part-accuracy technology that ends up producing better finishes and accurate designs comparatively. It has been observed that 3d printing provides the freedom of application and shape in many industry sectors, also offers the opportunity to cut costs per unit. CNC is the typical and hard to handle technology to execute faster for high-precision parts.

Both of the processes can be utilized and can be a great help to a business. In the area of product development, Checking designs and exploring designs can be easily performed by using these procedures, as well as you can stand out in the market by launching a unique piece of customized designed that will afford you to a high position in the market and you can improve your product development processes more conveniently by making these up-to-date technologies a part of your manufacturing processes.  When producing in bulk but want authentic results companies go for rapid prototyping to reduce the chances of alterations and improvements.