Abstract
PurposeIn the present scenario, the demand for additive manufacturing (AM) has increased. Taking into account environmental problems and sustainability, manufacturers are now also considering the environmental and sustainability criteria in their decision-making process. The sustainability concept is known as the triple-bottom line, namely, economic, social and environmental perspectives. Sustainable concept selection in the manufacturing organisation can be considered as the selection of sustainable material, product design, process, method and technology. This study aims to select an appropriate AM process by considering sustainability from various available techniques.Design/methodology/approachAppropriate sustainable performance indicators for the AM were identified based on literature as well as in discussion with experts and decision-makers. The model addresses all the major dimensions of sustainable concepts of AM such as material/product quality, machine performance, market stability, total cost and ecological values. A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach, i.e. stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis and complex proportional assessment methods, have been used to select the best AM technique. While selecting criteria affecting AM machines and processes, criteria based on the sustainable concept are considered.FindingsAmong the four selected AM processes, i.e. fused diffusion modelling (FDM), laminated object manufacturing (LOM), stereolithography apparatus (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS), the best alternative was found to be FDM.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study highlights some limitations in the selection of AM process and methodology used in this research. This study considers only four AM processes, i.e. FDM, LOM, SLA and SLS. Future work may include considering other AM processes and criteria that affect the sustainability of AM.Practical implicationsThe present work will help researchers and production managers to decide the best AM alternatives to fabricate desired parts. Hence, AM can help in maximum energy utilisation, optimal consumption of resources, minimum material wastage and reduction of CO2 emission.Originality/valueThe study considers some important criteria, including energy consumption, eco-friendly and wastage-free production, that help sustainable AM. This study can result in a good economic efficiency of AM industries and, therefore, positively impact customers using green products.
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