Integrated rapid prototyping and rapid tooling (IRPRT)

The strategic integration of rapid prototyping and rapid tooling is being used for getting product to the market quickly by resolving a long‐standing conflict between design and manufacturing. Currently rapid tooling can be produced at such reduced cost and time that the tool is considered to be disposable. The ability to produce inexpensive tooling allows the life cycle to be fundamentally changed, incorporating the concept and tooling review into one development phase and allowing both design and manufacturing requirements to be identified. This approach has allowed management to release product based on competitive market strategy rather than an estimated deadline.