ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the current capability of virtual prototyping (VP) and identifies its research trends and possible future directions. Current trends indicate further development of these low-cost fused deposition modeling printers, which will make ownership and operation exceedingly economical. Hybrid filaments that combine metals, wood, and carbon/glass fibers with polymers have been successfully developed, and their properties and capabilities are under investigation across the world. The research conducted in additive manufacturing over the last decade though has led to the development of a multitude of processes capable of achieving material properties comparable to conventional manufacturing processes. Research work in process planning and parameter optimization has led to stereolithography being mathematically mapped, which enables improved process performance. The advent of computer-aided design though has led to the creation of a suite of supplementary tools for engineers, namely, virtual prototyping, that competes with physical prototyping as an alternate design strategy.
