In rapid prototyping, what technology utilizes layers of material to create parts?

In rapid prototyping, Additive Manufacturing is the appropriate technology as it builds parts by adding material layer by layer. This process involves techniques such as 3D printing, where materials like plastics, metals, or ceramics are sequentially deposited to create a three-dimensional object. This method allows for high precision and the ability to create complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.

The key advantage of Additive Manufacturing is its ability to produce customized objects quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for prototyping where design iterations are frequent. This contrasts with the other methods mentioned. Subtractive Manufacturing, for instance, removes material from a solid block to shape the final part, which is not layer-based. Thin Film Deposition involves applying thin layers of material, but it is typically used for coatings, rather than constructing solid parts. Laser Cutting Technology is primarily focused on cutting and shaping existing materials rather than building them up layer by layer.