Rapid prototyping differs from conventional machining in that rapid prototyping is an automated process that allows for the creation of product models. Conventional machining, on the other hand, is a human-controlled process. It is wider in scope than rapid prototyping and uses different machining tools, including turning, drilling, and milling machines.
Rapid prototyping revolves around additive manufacturing, a method that constructs objects layer by layer. Techniques like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA) are employed, allowing designers to effortlessly craft intricate structures and complex geometries.
In contrast, conventional machining utilizes subtractive manufacturing processes, wherein material is removed from a workpiece to achieve the desired shape and dimensions. Techniques like milling, turning, and drilling are commonly employed in conventional machining to fabricate parts from solid blocks of material.
