Rapid Prototyping is fast becoming one of the essential technologies that allow manufacturers to improve product quality and reduce both times to market and the cost of new lines. RP helps quickly fine tune the designs from concept to functional prototype that can cut product development schedule to weeks or months. A generative process planning system for parts produced by Fused Deposition Modeling is discussed. Process planning for RP involves optimal selection for orientation of model with a proper support structure and it requires an intelligent slicing methodology; direct or...