Actually, they do the same work.  In the 1990’s the advent of rapid prototyping allows these costs to be reduced so companies can create 3d models fast and effectively. However only in recent years have 3D printers been financially accessible to small and medium sized business, thereby taking prototyping out of the heavy industry and into the office environment. It is now also possible to simultaneously deposit different types of materials.
3D printers offer product developers the ability to print parts and assemblies made of several materials with different mechanical and physical properties in a single build process. Advanced 3D printing technologies yield models that closely emulate the look, feel and functionality of product prototypes.