ABSTRACT
The rapid prototyping (RP) and 3D printing (3DP) systems can be classified in a variety of ways depending on the physics of the process, the source of energy, type of material, size of prototypes, etc. This chapter discusses the solid-based system that includes the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process, liquid-based systems that include the stereolithography (SLA) process, and powder-based system that includes the selective laser sintering (SLS) processes. Thermal Inkjet Printing (TIJ) is a process that utilizes thermal, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric technology to place droplets of ink onto a powder substrate which hardens into a desired shape. With the adoption of TIJ printing on a larger scale, more materials were being utilized, including polymer, ceramic, and glass-based materials. Currently, these materials are being improved to become more biologically compatible and useful in the medical industry. Rapid prototyping is primarily for mass manufacturing and larger objects, meaning they are less common than 3D printers.
