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术）仅在需要增加材料的地方加上材料，所以从设计到制造自动化，从知识获取到计算机处理，从计划到接口，等方面来看。非常适合于CIM、CAD及CAM，同时传统的制造方法相比较，显示住诸多优点。

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

快速性指有了产品的三维表面或体模型的设计就可以制造原型。从CAD设计到完成原型制造原型。只需数小时到十几小时的时间。相比与其他方法快多了。

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. 适合成型复杂零件

2. Suitable for forming complex parts

采用激光快速成型技术制造零件时，不论零件多复杂，都由计算机分解为二位数据进行成型，无简单与复杂之分，因此它特别适合成型形状复杂、传统方法难以制造甚无法制造的零件。

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

无须传统加工的工夹量具及多种设备，零件在一台设备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，特别适合于单件，小批量生产。

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

激光快速成型技术将CAD数据转化为STL（快速成型技术标准接口）格式后，即可开始快速成型制造过程。CAD到STL文件的转换是在CAD软件中自动完成的。快速成型过程是二维操作，可以实现高度自动化和程序化，即用简单重复的二维操作成型复杂的三维零件，无需特殊的工具及人工干预。

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.