Additive manufacturing cost estimation for buy scenarios

Abstract

Purpose To design for additive manufacturing (AM), the decision to use AM needs to be taken early in the product development process. Therefore, engineers need to be able to estimate AM part cost based on the few parameters available at this point in the process. This paper aims to develop suitable cost estimation models for this purpose, focusing on buy scenarios, as many companies choose to buy parts at service providers. Design/methodology/approach This study applies analogical cost estimation techniques to a data set of price quotations for laser sintering and laser melting parts. Findings The paper proposes easy-to-apply cost estimation models for laser sintering and laser melting for buy scenarios. Further, it generates new insights on the AM service provider market. Research limitations/implications The proposed models are only suitable for buy scenarios and are only a snapshot of cost achievable in 2014. Practical implications The proposed cost estimation models enable engineers to approximate AM part costs early in the product development process and thereby ease the decision to rapid manufacture certain parts. Originality/value This study addresses two gaps in the AM cost literature. It is the first study to take a qualitative approach to AM cost estimation, which is more suitable early in the product development process than the currently available quantitative studies. Further, it develops the first cost estimation for buy scenarios.