Application of fuzzy AHP – TOPSIS for ranking additive manufacturing processes for microfabrication

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to rank additive manufacturing (AM) processes for microfabrication using integrated fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS).

Design/methodology/approach

AM technology selection is formulated as multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem and ranking is obtained using fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS. Five candidate processes considered are laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), microstereolithography, micro-selective laser sintering (micro-SLS), inkjet, micro 3D printing.

Findings

Criteria weights are obtained using fuzzy AHP, and ranking is obtained using fuzzy TOPSIS. The top ranked criteria include material compatibility, geometrical complexity and minimum feature size. The ranking sequence is LIFT > microstereolithography > micro-SLS > inkjet > micro-3D printing.

Research limitations/implications

In the present study, ten criteria and five alternatives are used. In future, additional criteria and alternatives could be considered in line with technological advancements.

Practical implications

The generated ranking enabled the selection of appropriate AM process for microfabrication.

Originality/value

The application of hybrid MCDM approach for ranking AM processes for microfabrication is the contribution of the study.

Citation

M.B., A. and S., V. (2018), "Application of fuzzy AHP – TOPSIS for ranking additive manufacturing processes for microfabrication", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 424-435. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-10-2016-0160