A comparative evaluation of industrial design models produced using rapid prototyping and workshop‐based fabrication techniques

This paper discusses a research programme in which the 3D computer aided industrial design geometry for a consumer product was translated into appearance models using the contrasting techniques of workshop‐based fabrication techniques and rapid prototyping using stereolithography. The research also examined the capacity to extend the use of the rapid prototype components for the production of a fully working prototype. The ability to combine an appearance model and a working prototype into a single “appearance prototype” was a significant advance in the application of RP within industrial design.