[Willie Green]

Computers and solid modelling softwares are used to drive 3D prototype part generators by 'sputtering' a polymer material thru controlled jets.

I'm not very familiar with this technique. The only prototyping I've seen along these lines involved using UV sensitive photopolymer resins. I suppose it is a rather "cool" application of high technology. But the parts are brittle and have a tendency to wrap. I'd rather have a prototype made out of a truly functional production material.

Who knows? Maybe this "liquidmetal" and "sputtering" are a step in the right direction. But for now, I'm gonna categorize it as "potentially interesting stuff to tinker with", but niche unknown without further information.

[Vineyard]

rapid prototyping using the UV set resin generates a precise model .... then the model is used to create a mold (lost wax process typically) ... so that a cast piece can be made. The casting might require a minimal machining on critical surfaces ..... but overall, a very cost effective method of developing limited quantity of prototype parts.

Mike