CROMeP (Research Centre on Tools, Materials and Processes) experience in rapid tooling development is related. Focus is placed on two processes, namely the Direct Metal Laser Sintering/DMLS(R) and STRATOCONCEPT(R) currently under consideration for the manufacturing of thermoplastic injection moulds. The principle of the two processing routes as well as the benefits attainable by using those processes will be briefly reviewed. Recent results on the microstructure and the mechanical performances of sample tools built up using both processes are presented.