Hybrid Decision making model using linear programming and analytical hierarchical process for comparison of manufacturing choices (additive and traditional) ( a pilot study)

Abstract

This research is built upon existing knowledge of additive manufacturing and traditional manufacturing to gain insights into the cost differences associated with different manufacturing processes as a pilot study. The researcher proposed a novel mathematical framework comprising a hybrid decision-making model comprising a linear optimization part entailed by the two distinct manufacturing procedures and an Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) part for choosing the best technology based on a set of qualitative factors. The model integrates diverse cost components, including but not limited to labor, materials, and equipment costs. Through a hybrid decision-making model, the research study analyzes additive manufacturing and traditional manufacturing in light of quantitative factors (cost) and qualitative factors (quality, speed of production, sustainability, and flexibility). By using a pilot case study, the results suggest that AM provides a reduction in cost due to optimization in various cost components but also considers TM as a preferable alternative over AM using the integrated qualitative criteria.