The basic working principle of rapid prototyping technology is discretization and stacking. Firstly, the physical model of the part is transformed into a computer electronic model through CAD modeling or 3D digitizer, and then the CAD model is converted into an STD (stereolithography) file format. The computer 3D solid model is discretized in the z-direction using layered software to form a series of thin sheets with a certain thickness. A laser beam (or other energy flow) controlled by the computer is used to selectively solidify or bond a certain area, Thus forming a layer that constitutes the entity of the part. This gradually accumulates to form a prototype (3D solid). If necessary, some post-processing processes (such as deep solidification and grinding) are carried out to meet the requirements of the functional components. The recent development of rapid prototyping technology mainly includes: three-dimensional light modeling, selective laser sintering, thin layer stacking manufacturing, and melting deposition models.

由于快速成型（包括激光快速成型技術）僅在需要增加材料的地方加上材料，所以從設計到制造自動化，從知識獲取到計算機處理，從計劃到接口，等方面來看。非常適合于CIM、CAD及CAM，同時傳統(tǒng)的制造方法相比較，顯示住諸多優(yōu)點。

Due to the fact that rapid prototyping (including laser rapid prototyping technology) only adds materials where they are needed, from design to manufacturing automation, from knowledge acquisition to computer processing, from planning to interfaces, and so on. It is very suitable for CIM, CAD, and CAM, and compared to traditional manufacturing methods, it shows many advantages.

1. 快速性

1. Fastness

快速性指有了產品的三維表面或體模型的設計就可以制造原型。從CAD設計到完成原型制造原型。只需數(shù)小時到十幾小時的時間。相比與其他方法快多了。

Quickness refers to the ability to manufacture prototypes with the design of a three-dimensional surface or volume model of a product. From CAD design to prototype manufacturing. It only takes a few hours to a dozen hours. Compared to other methods, it is much faster.

2. 適合成型復雜零件

2. Suitable for forming complex parts

采用激光快速成型技術制造零件時，不論零件多復雜，都由計算機分解為二位數(shù)據(jù)進行成型，無簡單與復雜之分，因此它特別適合成型形狀復雜、傳統(tǒng)方法難以制造甚無法制造的零件。

When using laser rapid prototyping technology to manufacture parts, no matter how complex the parts are, they are decomposed into binary data by the computer for molding, without distinction between simple and complex. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for forming parts with complex shapes that are difficult or even impossible to manufacture using traditional methods.

3. 高度柔性

3. Highly flexible

無須傳統(tǒng)加工的工夾量具及多種設備，零件在一臺設備上即可成型出具有一定功能的原型及零件。若要修改零件，只需修改CAD模型即可，特別適合于單件，小批量生產。

Without the need for traditional machining tools and various equipment, parts can be formed into prototypes and parts with certain functions on one device. If you want to modify a part, you only need to modify the CAD model, which is particularly suitable for single piece and small batch production.

4. 高度集成化

4. Highly integrated

激光快速成型技術將CAD數(shù)據(jù)轉化為STL（快速成型技術標準接口）格式后，即可開始快速成型制造過程。CAD到STL文件的轉換是在CAD軟件中自動完成的。快速成型過程是二維操作，可以實現(xiàn)高度自動化和程序化，即用簡單重復的二維操作成型復雜的三維零件，無需特殊的工具及人工干預。

After laser rapid prototyping technology converts CAD data into STL (Rapid Prototyping Technology Standard Interface) format, the rapid prototyping manufacturing process can begin. The conversion of CAD to STL files is automatically completed in CAD software. The rapid prototyping process is a two-dimensional operation that can achieve high automation and programming, that is, using simple and repetitive two-dimensional operations to shape complex three-dimensional parts without the need for special tools and human intervention.