Rapid prototyping (RP) is an advanced technique of fabricating a physical
model, or complex assembly where computer-aided design (CAD) plays a significant
role. The RP technique offers numerous advantages including providing information
such as how a product will look like and/or perform, and in the first stage of the design
and manufacturing cycle, allowing switches and improvements to be implemented
earlier in the system. It acts quickly and reduces the risk of later/final stage costly
errors. RP is considered to be an automated and cost-effective technique as it does not
require special tools, involves minimal intervention of the operator, and minimizes
material wastage. Different types of RP techniques are now commercially available and
serving accordingly in many fields. By using rapid prototyping, engineers can produce
and/or upgrade medical instruments that include surgical fasteners, scalpels, retractors,
display systems, and so on. Tablets having a sustained drug release capability are also
being manufactured by RP. Rehabilitation engineering also uses RP including the
fabrication of biomedical implants and prostheses and craniofacial and maxillofacial
surgeries. This chapter aims to provide an overview of rapid prototyping technology
and various RP machines available commercially. This chapter also includes the
applications of the RP technique in biomedical engineering focusing on the advanced
scopes, capabilities, and challenges in the upcoming days.
Keywords: Biomedical, Computer-aided design, Manufacturing, Polymer, Rapid prototyping, Rehabilitation.
