An Analytical Method for Assessing the Utility of Additive Manufacturing in an Organization

Abstract

Although the applications of additive manufacturing are continuously increasing, but unless used judiciously, it cannot compete with traditional manufacturing processes. This article presents an analytical method for assessing the utility of additive manufacturing. For this, the concept of utilization factor is introduced and its effect on the production planning and associated costs is discussed. The uncertainty in the estimation of utilization factor and costs is addressed by the fuzzy set-based theory. For applying fuzzy arithmetic, linear triangular fuzzy numbers are used based on expert’s most likely, lower and upper estimates. Consideration of uncertainty with the help of fuzzy arithmetic provides a better picture for management to take decision. Further, a fuzzy set-based technique has been employed to compare an additive manufacturing process viz., selective laser sintering (SLS) with another process viz., injection moulding. The overall methodology is illustrated through case studies. It is demonstrated that even for SLS process, the unit cost of a part decreases with the quantities of production, which is reflected in the enhancement of the utilization factor. However, for very high volume of production, the SLS process cannot compete with injection moulding in terms of cost as well as production time.