Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing has experienced a 45% compound growth over the past 11 years. Last year it was a $500 million industry, and it is predicted to double by the year 1999. Rapid Prototyping began with the development of Stereolithography in the mid 1980s. Stereolithography starts with computer graphic representations of objects and leads to the production of actual three dimensional models one can hold and inspect. Enormous reductions in product development cycles and improved quality through design optimization have led to the growing acceptance worldwide of Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing. This presentation will cover the fundamental principles of Stereolithography, including the development of the basic science underlying the process. Two important applications of Rapid Protyping will be discussed.