This paper presents an approach for developing a knowledge-based environment for rapid manufacturing (RM) technology, based on layer-by-layer additive processes, and its applications. The approach takes into consideration the critical factors related to materials, manufacturing processes of RM technology as well as product geometry and properties under development. The main objective of this study is to assess the capabilities of existing RM techniques to directly produce functional end use products with no or minimal post processing. This is to aid in an interactive manner making the right decision selecting the appropriate RM technology for producing a product with the desired characteristics.
