CONCLUSION

As can be seen in the foregoing discussion, Europe has very strong research programs in metals rapid prototyping, especially in Germany. Along with these programs, Europeans are creating an impressive research infrastructure in the field.

In contrast, except for Professor Nakagawa's leading-edge work, the JTEC/WTEC panel is aware of no Japanese programs in metals rapid prototyping R&D. The Japanese focus seems to be on photopolymers because of the superior accuracy of those systems.