Rapid Prototype Machine
 A rapid prototype machine is equipment that produces physical prototypes or parts from computer aided designs or modeling software.Data from a computer generated drawing is downloaded to a rapid prototype machine that forms multiple layers of material (liquid, powder, film). The built-up layers can create any shape to form your prototype. Different methods create the layers differently. Some materials are melted, others are cured, or laminated together.
Rapid prototyping is relatively fast compared to other methods of creating a model of your invention. Depending upon the complexity and size of your invention you can create a rapid prototype in a matter of hours or several days. It's not only fast but less expensive for producing small quantities. You can use a rapid prototype machine for creating only part of your invention. This allows you to test a design feature or function. In this way, you can often identify problematic areas of your design and work to solve it before building a full model of your invention.
Concept Testing
For example, a friend of mine invented a new design for an airplane wing. He tested the design on a computer model and then created a rapid prototype of a scaled-down version of the wing. The downsized part was only about a meter long (3 ft.) but he used it in a small wind tunnel for testing. This allowed him to prove his principle concept for the aerodynamic benefits of his invention.
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To utilize rapid prototyping you'll require three-dimensional digital drawings of your invention.
Inventions that require testing for structural durability or air flow such as an airplane, car or bridge can be tested as computer models and then rapid prototypes of parts can be made for further testing.
