A specific manufacturing cost model for fast cost estimation in additive manufacturing

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been widely used for high-value-added parts. Therefore, cost models are needed for fast and accurate cost estimation during the AM design phase; otherwise, incorrect cost estimation may cause unexpected cost expenses. This work proposes a parametric cost model for AM using experimental and statistical methods. In this work, specific manufacturing costs (SMC) and build rates (cm3/h) are calculated based on experiments and approximated by regression models. For a fast cost estimation in AM, the build rate for a build task needs to be investigated, and then the SMC can be calculated using the regression model.