Terminology and Descriptions 

Which terms are best to use? Rapid prototyping (RP) was the most popular term years ago when prototyping dominated the use of additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Prototyping remains an important application of AM technology, but it's only one of many. A growing number of people are using additive manufacturing when referring to the group of processes (e.g., fused deposition modeling, 3DP from Z Corp., laser sintering, etc.) that build parts layer by layer. One reason is that it is the official ASTM standard term for all applications of the technology.

The mainstream press and those in the financial community tend to use 3D printing most frequently, a term that will likely become the most popular in the future. Some might argue that it is already the most popular term. Among industry insiders, 3D printers currently refers to a group of AM systems that are low end in price and/or overall capability.

AM processes are used for a growing range of applications including design and concept modeling, fit and function testing, patterns for casting, and mold and die tooling. They are also used for fixture and assembly tools, custom and replacement part manufacturing, short-run production, and series manufacturing. Prototyping is only one of many applications and that's why "RP" is no longer suitable as a catch-all term. In fact, most companies resist the idea of using a prototyping method for part production, so using this term stifles the technology's transition to production applications.