Abstract :� � The objective of this paper aims to present the rapid prototyping technology. It will show the method how�to make the rapid prototyping from the past to present and also introduce the categories of rapid prototyping�which are widely used nowadays. The processes of rapid prototyping in each category are explained in brief.�Furthermore, the importance and benefit of rapid prototyping in research and development are shown. Finally, the
papers will explain the future trend of rapid prototyping which will be potentially applied in field of rapid
manufacturing and mass customization.