Most Widely Used Rapid Prototyping Method - Stereo-lithography
When it comes to the most widely used prototyping method, Stereo-lithography will stand out among all of them as the leader. Using this method you will build up plastic parts or some other objects layer by layer. You do so by tracing laser beam aimed to the surface of the vat liquid photopolymer. They were mostly used in the printing and packaging industry originally. The reason is that it quickly solidifies anything as and when the laser beam hits the surface of the liquid.
The process is to complete a layer and then lower it a bit. The second layer is now built on top of the first. As the materials are self adhesive, they bond together pretty quickly giving the construction a firm build. You go on adding the layers one after another in the same manner till the product is completely manufactures. Ultimately you will have a complete, 3D object when multiple layers are joined in this manner.
Some of the custom designed parts may have overhangs of undercuts. They require supports at the time of the fabrication process. Such support structures are either fabricated using machines or manually manufactured along with the main object. When the fabrication process is completed the object is lifted from the vat. The supports are removed, cut off, or dissolved.
Advantage of using Stereo-lithography is best accuracy as well as decent surface finish. Over the years a host of divergent materials that mimics the original in the field of engineering, biomedical applications, and thermoplastics have been developed. Presently ceramic materials are being developed using this rapid prototyping technology.