The paper provides a comprehensive overview of rapid prototyping (RP) and additive manufacturing (AM) technologies over the past decade. It begins by surveying general economic and technological trends, followed by a detailed process-by-process analysis. Key advancements include significant speed improvements, new manufacturing concepts for single-day throughput, a wide range of new materials, advanced layer deposition techniques, and the development of software support and CIM. The paper also highlights specific applications such as functional prototypes, concept modeling, functional parts, rapid tooling, μ-machining, and medical models. Detailed discussions are provided for various RP processes, including Stereo-Lithography (SL), Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Ink Jet Printing (IJP), 3D Printing (3DP), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Each process is analyzed in terms of its technological advancements, material capabilities, and industrial applications.The paper provides a comprehensive overview of rapid prototyping (RP) and additive manufacturing (AM) technologies over the past decade. It begins by surveying general economic and technological trends, followed by a detailed process-by-process analysis. Key advancements include significant speed improvements, new manufacturing concepts for single-day throughput, a wide range of new materials, advanced layer deposition techniques, and the development of software support and CIM. The paper also highlights specific applications such as functional prototypes, concept modeling, functional parts, rapid tooling, μ-machining, and medical models. Detailed discussions are provided for various RP processes, including Stereo-Lithography (SL), Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Ink Jet Printing (IJP), 3D Printing (3DP), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Each process is analyzed in terms of its technological advancements, material capabilities, and industrial applications.