An ad hoc decision support method over additive vs. conventional manufacturing

Abstract

The mechanical design process considers numerous factors. Requirements related to performance and quality, limitations by legislation, standards, methods utilized or technological boundaries, urgency, cost, data preparation and preservation, design flexibility and organizational aspects. Successful design consists of proper decisions on form, geometry, materials, manufacturing methods, quality, reliability and more. Nowadays, a critical decision during design and realization of technological objects is whether they should be made conventionally or with Additive Manufacturing (AM)/3D Printing methods. Such a decision occurs under time-pressure or via a broader strategy for technological switch, is complex, multi-parametric and bears uncertainty and risk. A simple, effective and substantiated method to assist decisions for switching from conventional to AM could prove very useful. This paper refers to recent trends and activity in international AM-related standards, then presents and discusses preliminary work of the authors for an ad hoc decision method to be used upon specific “go/ no-go” decisions for AM. The method is largely based on the Pareto principle, to limit critical design factors contributing to this decision. All steps of the method towards a final decision are described. The method is demonstrated with a hypothetical, yet realistic example of a short run coolant vessel manufacture.