Implementation of Additive Manufacturing Cost Estimation Tool (AMCET) Using Break-down Approach

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the technique of producing parts directly from three-dimensional Computer-Aided Design (3D CAD) models by adding thin layers of material over each other, resulting in the desired final geometry. AM technology has application in several industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, commercial, healthcare, and dental. Cost estimation of AM is helpful for designers and engineers at the preliminary design stage to understand the cost impact of alternative designs.The aim of this research is to develop an additive manufacturing cost estimation tool (AMCET) using a break-down approach. The total cost is an addition of costs for machine, material, labor, and post-processing, which are calculated using a limited number of primary user input parameters. If additional part or process parameters are available, the user can enter the secondary input parameters to increase the accuracy of an estimate. The build time is estimated by considering the activities undergone by machine for preparation of a single layer and multiplying it by the total number of layers.