By using a series of electronic models, and then a drastically reduced number of physical models once a product has been nearly completed, time and money can be saved. A full size, fully installed rapidly prototyped product can cost nearly half a million dollars. This is not without even taking into account the cost of the manufacturing equipment, nor the sensitive environment required. Still, as rapid prototyping technology increases, the fact still remains that some applications cannot be tested on plastic models. The stress exerted on some parts is just too great, and the cost of machining a stronger part may cost too much.
Computers seem to be the future of the prototyping process.