late 1999 to early 2000 (and backfills for previous years) / DB reference years
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Author Peter Marks
Source Computer-Aided Engineering, April 2000 v19 i4 p46
Abstract Today, rapid prototyping has found a niche. However, growth has slowed. Industry leader 3D Systems had just under $100 million sales in both 1998 and 1999. The desire to reproduce physical objects from a digital stream of data won't go away. Web portals will make it easier for users to buy from service bureaus. Proponents of the technology can do more to embed it into the normal processes of design and manufacturing. The eventual marriage of e-procurement portals and turnkey suppliers will provide a boost for RP, because the costs and benefits will coincide. The value of interacting with early prototypes is still underappreciated. Growing interest in small hand-held and wearable devices linked to wired and wireless services should mean growing interest in rapid prototyping. XX