Molds play a crucial role in rapid prototyping by significantly shortening product development cycles and reducing costs. Rapid prototyping technologies, such as 3D printing, allow for the quick creation of prototype molds, enabling designers to test and validate their designs early in the development process. This approach enhances design flexibility, facilitates functional testing, and allows for rapid iterations. Additionally, rapid prototyping can produce small batches of final products without the need for expensive, traditional molds. This not only accelerates time-to-market but also ensures that the final product meets quality and performance standards.