Sustainable Optimization of Mold Heating: A Dual Approach with SWARA and MARCOS Methods

Abstract

There are many methods and raw materials in the manufacturing of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) with hot press, such as Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), Bulk Molding Compound (BMC), and Prepreg fabrics. In most applications, it is commonly used to put the new dough into the mold without cooling the mold, press it again and cure it. Putting the mold into the dough without cooling causes the surface of the poured product to cure faster than the inner region, thus causing a structurally discontinuous structure in the product. Therefore, in more professional manufacturings, the mold is lowered to approximately 120 oC and the dough is put into the mold at this stage. However, this increases energy consumption and carbon emissions for the heating and cooling phases. In this study, the energy efficiency in the manufacturing of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) produced by the hot press method was investigated. At the end of this study, by using alternative energy methods in manufacturing processes, results such as investment cost, depreciation expenses, reduction in invoices, and carbon emissions were achieved. In order to find the best alternative among these results, the criteria weights were determined with SWARA, and the founded alternatives ranked by the MARCOS method. As a result of this ranking, the best alternative was determined as a 40 kWh battery and a 25 kW solar panel option among the solar panel power and battery capacity alternatives.