Desktop Engineering reports that Precision CAD/CAM Systems recently used a 3D Systems ProJet 3000 to produce a mold for an Indiana Jones action figure. Initially they believed the new technology would simplify and speed up their prototyping process (which it undoubtably did), but they discovered that the 3D model was in fact sufficiently accurate to be used to create the production mold for the toy’s components.
This appears to be another step beyond the “rough prototyping” stage and towards “real production”. We’re definitely not there yet, but this yet is another sign we’re moving in that direction
