Rapid Prototyping is a technique for "printing" physical objects (mostly) based on a 3d format called STL. The most important benefit from this technique is that because of the "layer" laser printing, it can produce 3d shapes physically, that no other production method can. The object shown, is modeled in Maya, 150mm x 30 mm , and is converted into STL and then printed out physically. It is a typical solid shape that is very difficult to produce any other way. There are many different materials that can be used in the "printing" process.