Rapid Prototyping (RP) is also known as Generative Manufacturing, Layered Manufacturing, Solid Freeform Fabrication, Toolless Model Making etc. Basically all these terms refer to creation of three-dimensional objects directly from CAD files.
Unlike conventional or NC/CNC machining, the model is created by adding material layer after layer instead of cutting it away from a solid block. Therefore, generation of complex shapes do not pose any problem at all. However, what is obtained from the machine is a model – not usually an end-user item, which means that the new technology is used for prototyping, not actual production.

Stereolithography was the first RP process made commercially available in 1988. It builds models layer by layer by UV laser scanning of a photo reactive resin. The resin gets cured (polymerized) when impinged by UV laser. On completion of all layers, the object is placed in a UV curing chamber to ensure complete solidification.
CMERI is the first organization in India to have installed the Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA).

After 1988, different Rapid Prototyping technologies were developed out of which Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) has been installed at CMERI. Here the model is created by bonding and laser cutting of sheet materials such as paper coated by adhesive.