01763 249760  office@prototypeprojects.com

Learning Hub
Quote / Order
  • CNC Machining
    • CNC Turning
    • CNC Milling
    • CNC Low Volume Production
    • CNC Materials
    • CNC Finishing
    • Vapour Honing
    • CNC Machining 3-Day
    • Production Speeds
  • 3D Printing
    • SLS – Selective Laser Sintering
    • SLA – Stereolithography
    • MICRO 3D PRINTING
    • Polyjet 3D Printing
    • DLP – Digital Light Projection
    • Filament 3D Printing
    • SLS Dyeing
    • 3D Printing Materials
    • 3D Printing Finishing
    • Production Speeds
    • Additive Manufacturing
    • Additive Prototyping
  • Vacuum Casting
  • Model Making
  • Expertise
    • Low Volume Manufacturing
    • Rapid Prototyping
    • Laser Cutting
    • Inspection
  • Downloads
    • Guides and whitepapers
    • Policies, forms and certificates
    • Process datasheets
    • Prototype materials datasheets
  • About
    • Customers
    • Our Team
    • Our values
    • Payment methods
    • Work with us
    • News & Articles
    • Case Studies
    • Plant list
    • Privacy statement
    • Sustainability
  • Contact
  1. Home
  2. 3D Printing
  3. Unpicking the jargon around additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping and 3D printing

Unpicking the jargon around additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping and 3D printing

Article reproduced courtesy of PRW News:

What’s the difference?

Justin Pringle unpicks the jargon around additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping and 3D printing

As a prototyping bureau, we are asked many times each week what the difference is between the terms additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping and 3D printing.

Essentially, while they do have different meanings, it is true to say that additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping and 3D printing are all basically the same thing.

Put another way, the definition of each of these lies in the application of the underlying technology – and that’s 3D printing. Let’s try and explain this by diving straight into some definitions. First, 3D printing – a popular but by no means new collective term for a range of technologies that are used in additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping.

The technologies include stereolithography (SLA), which has been around and in use since the 1980’s when it was invented by 3D.

Also under the heading of 3D printing technology are selective laser sintering (SLS), fused definition modelling (FDM) and DLP.

One factor binds all these technologies together: the technique involves multiple layers of material being progressively ‘added’ and then ‘hardened’ or ‘cured’ to build or ‘print’ the part.

Additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping are simply two terms for 3D printing.

What’s brought 3D printing to the fore in recent years is the increased media attention that has come about with reduced price points on 3D printers including desktop 3D printing machines, bringing them within reach of the hobby and general interest consumer market.

The comparatively low cost of these new consumer hobbyist 3D printers has given rise to a new interest in 3D printing, and the advent of volume 3D printing houses that can produce small components in volume on multiple machines.

And this is where additive manufacturing comes in. Additive manufacturing is 3D printing of parts, components and products as part of the production manufacturing process. The key opportunity is that 3D printing does have cost and versatility benefits over conventional manufacturing, particularly where the alternative is expensive bespoke tooling.

The main limitation with additive manufacturing is with volume. It is not easy to manufacture large quantities of parts in an effective timescale without large numbers of 3D printing machines. Even then, the desired levels of quality and finish may not always be possible.

Finally we come to rapid prototyping. Again this isn’t a new term, but was the generally accepted term for ‘prototyping using 3D printing’ until the new wave of interest in 3D printing developed.

Clearly, prototyping has many uses and applications – from first concept realisation and presentation to full mechanical and functional testing.

Each of the 3D printing technologies available as part of the prototyping process has its individual strengths – and is capable due to the process and the materials available of producing parts with different mechanical properties, geometric detail and finish.

And this is where the possibilities really start to open up. Among the people that know how to match capabilities with real requirements are the long established, experienced prototyping bureaus.

They tend to offer not just 3D printing services, but also other prototyping and manufacturing technologies such as vacuum casting and CNC milling and CNC turning as options for producing prototype and additive manufacturing parts.

Design engineers should always feel able to consult their prototyping bureau about material or technology choice to achieve the results needed.

With so many possibilities – and so much terminology – it’s best to seek advice as early as possible in the process.

Can we help?

Contact us on 01763 249760 or click here to request a quote.

Recent Popular
The Benefits of Vacuum Casting for Low-Volume Production

The Benefits of Vacuum Casting for Low-Volume ...

6 May 2025 Comments Off on The Benefits of Vacuum Casting for Low-Volume Production
Understanding the Benefits of Vacuum Casting for Short Runs

Understanding the Benefits of Vacuum Casting for ...

2 May 2025 Comments Off on Understanding the Benefits of Vacuum Casting for Short Runs
SLA, Vacuum Casting, and Model Making - Versatile Prototyping Processes

SLA, Vacuum Casting, and Model Making – ...

30 April 2025 Comments Off on SLA, Vacuum Casting, and Model Making – Versatile Prototyping Processes
Overcoming a Tricky Build for Prototype Projects

Mini Door, Maximum Challenges: How Our Team ...

29 April 2025 Comments Off on Mini Door, Maximum Challenges: How Our Team Overcame a Tricky Build
CNC Prototyping to Production

CNC Prototyping to Production: Supporting Every Stage ...

22 April 2025 Comments Off on CNC Prototyping to Production: Supporting Every Stage of the Product Development Journey
James Dyson

Sir James Dyson: the man behind the ...

10 May 2019 0
Applications and design tips for SLS: a guide

Applications and design tips for SLS: a ...

27 November 2019 0
Prototyping medical devices for patient contact

Prototyping medical devices for patient contact

22 September 2021 0
silicone tooling

LUMA-iD develops Buddy with silicone tooling

21 July 2022 0
CNC Machining and CNC Turning

Understanding the Difference Between CNC Milling and ...

15 April 2025 Comments Off on Understanding the Difference Between CNC Milling and CNC Turning for Better Design Choices
Tags: 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, CNC, FDM, Rapid Prototyping, SLA, SLS

Comments are closed

Next Day Dispatch

Delivering Overnight Printing

Email: office@prototypeprojects.com
Tel: 01763 249760

Prototype Projects Ltd
Units 1&2, Greenfield
Royston,
Herts SG8 5HN

If you have questions about any aspect of our service, please contact us.


    UKAS
    Cert no. 11512-QMS-001
    Cert no. 11512-EMS-001
    Made In Britain - Prototype Projects
    EHAAT proud supporter
    Royston Business Awards - Prototype Projects

    Sign up to our Company and Industry newsletter

    Sign up here

    Prototype Projects, established in 1980, is a specialist in the manufacture of prototypes. The company is experienced in 3D Printing, CNC Machining, Rapid Prototyping, Model Making and Additive Manufacturing. The company is located in Royston, Hertfordshire.

    Trustpilot - Prototype Projects

    About | Our team | Our values | Customers | Work with us

    CNC Machining

    CNC Turning
    CNC Milling
    CNC Materials
    CNC Finishing
    CNC Express
    Production Speeds

    3D Printing

    SLS
    SLA
    Micro 3D Printing
    Polyjet
    Digital Light Projection
    3D Printing Materials
    3D Printing Finishing
    Additive Manufacturing
    Additive Prototyping
    Production Speeds

    Expertise

    Low Volume Manufacturing
    Rapid Prototyping
    Laser Cutting
    Inspection

    Contact us

    Prototype Projects Ltd
    Units 1 &2, Greenfield
    Royston
    Herts SG8 5HN

    office@prototypeprojects.com
    T: 01763 249760

    © 2025 - Prototype Projects | Terms | Privacy | Web Design by Indigo Ross

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    However, you may visit Cookie Settingsto provide a controlled consent. Reject All
    ACCEPT ALL
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT