Feasibility Study of Additive Manufacturing Technology Implementation in Malaysian Automotive Industry Using Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the direct production of finished goods using additive fabrication techniques. AM done in parallel batch production can provide a large advantage in speed and cost. Currently, the efforts to utilize AM concept and technology have several problems particularly in Malaysian automotive industry. Such existing problems have discouraged the enhancement of process and product development of automotive industry. In providing the solution, by implementing AM technology, there is potential to speed up the development of automotive parts and move towards mass customization. Several issues have been discovered by discussion with PROTON. This paper presents the critical decision factors in implementing AM in Malaysian automotive industry. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to develop the framework of decision making in order to assess the factor affecting the AM implementation. The study shows that the main factors affects the implementations of AM are financial, technological, organization and design practice. The most important aspect to be considered is the investment cost. Finally, the information presented in this paper can also assist a potential user in choosing to implement or not to implement AM technology. Keywords: Additive Manufacturing, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Automotive Industry