Abstract
This paper describes the impact of rapid prototyping and reserve engineering processes on structured product development processes. Solid modeling, rapid prototyping, three-dimensional digitizing and surface reconstruction are valuable product development tools; however, a well-coordinated integration of them is necessary. This requires the exploration of the context and the interdependence between these tools. Focusing on design methodology, the results of the scientific analysis contribute to an efficiency maximization of design processes. Quality and time-to-market aspects (cost effective design of new products, variant design, re-engineering of existing products) play an essential role in this analysis.