Abstract

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Rapid Prototyping, which can also be referred to as Solid Freeform Fabrication, Additive Manufacturing, Layered Manufacturing, or 3D Printing is a process of making a three-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape from a digital computer model. This paper reviews the advances in this printing technology with a view to popularizing its use for STEM and non-technical education among other uses. Illustrations were done using models of Mathematical objects including Hypercube and Icosidodecahedron; Engineering Objects including Automatic Transmission Gearing System, Brake Caliper and Suspension Bridge. Some of the other objects shown to have been 3D printed include: Building, Drone, Human Skull, Humanoid Robot, Human Teeth and Archeological Objects. The paper aims to enthuse and attract a large number of academics to embrace this technology that is already redefining a wide variety of systems and processes and also encourage materials scientists and engineers to expand the frontiers on range of feedstock materials that can be explored and used for 3D printing

Keywords: Rapid Prototyping, Solid Freeform Fabrication, Additive Manufacturing, Layered Manufacturing, 3D Printing, STEM