Prototyping a product before going into production can identify any design deficiencies. A prototype can also enhance the selling power of a product by showcasing its functionality and design.

There are several ways to produce a prototype. Rapid prototyping takes drawings from CAD files (Computer Aided Design) and transforms them into a 3D physical model using a rapid prototyping machine; or by hand-drawn designs that are then made into a model using a combination of processes.