What are rapid prototyping techniques?

From reducing the cost to increase the efficiency, rapid prototyping techniques are making an impact in the industries. Rapid prototyping is a set of techniques, used to create the physical prototype or product in lesser time as compared to other manufacturing techniques. Rapid prototyping has made the prototype development process easier, accurate and less time-consuming. 

CNC machines are also being used these days to convert the 3D model into a physically existing model. The model data must represent a valid geometry for rapid prototyping. The difference between a 3D printer and CNC machine is basically marked by the material used for the prototype development process and the tools being used. Furthermore, 3D printer occupies much lesser space as compared to conventional subtractive tool room methods such as CNC milling, lathe and precision grinding making it much favorable option for the manufacturers. The availability of modeling software is also playing a key role in the increased usage of these rapid prototyping techniques.

When it comes to rapid prototyping, these technologies are commonly being used for prototype development:
3D printing (3DP)
Solid ground curing (SGC)
Selective laser sintering (SLS)
Selective laser melting (SLM)
Stereolithography (SLA)
Shape deposition manufacturing (SDM) (and Mold SDM)
CNC machining
Ballistic particle manufacturing (BPM)
Directed light fabrication (DLF)
Direct-shell production casting (DSPC)
Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
Laminated object manufacturing (LOM)
Laminated resin printing (LRP)