It is common knowledge that rapid prototyping is essential in cases of complex geometry. While the traditional methods could somehow manage to tackle the simpler problems, the rapid prototypes provide real solutions for more complex problems. In addition they can accomplish all the tasks that are performed with traditional methods much faster.

Question of complexity however is relative. It is often asked in the user quarters as to how much complex the geometry need be calling for the use of rapid prototyping. When you take up a few limiting cases you will find the border line pretty fuzzy. You can make an undisputable statement that only one of the methods can accomplish the majority task faster and in a less expensive way. That method is the rapid prototyping.

For some insignificant tasks like just creation of a metal cube or an object with a few inches on sides you could resort to the CNC milling machines. Similarly for a cylinder type object, the lathe will be a good choice. There are experts who believe that simple fabrications are best manufactured using the CNC while complex objects could be built with the rapid prototyping methods.

However, the fact remains that you can never expect something like the same day shipping for custom designed parts using the traditional CNC methods. The Rapid prototyping method is faster and more accurate in any case. Even the simpler objects could be manufactured faster and in a more accurate way with the rapid prototyping method. So why not choose it?