Prioritisation and selection of non-traditional machining processes and their criteria using analytic hierarchy process approach

Abstract

In this study, a model is developed using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology to help the process engineers and decision makers in prioritising and ranking the various NTM processes and their criteria identified from literature review and selecting the most appropriate NTM process and its criteria for typical machining process. The methodology also assists in identifying the most significant NTM processes and their criteria that could help the process engineers and decision makers for higher productivity and industry performance. Analysis of the present study shows that NTM process 'based on the source of energy' has ranked at first place followed by 'based on the medium of the energy transfer', 'based on the type of energy used' and 'based on the mechanism of material removal'. Further, the study also prioritised the various NTM processes criteria consisting of 27 criteria. The priority criteria that ranked on top are: voltage, current, ions and ionised particles. The findings of the present study will help process engineers, decision makers and practitioners in selecting the best NTM process and its criteria and then implementing them in their industry for improved performance.