Selection of 3-Dimensional Printer via the Use of Integrated Fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS: Case study in Medical Applications

Peerapat Khamhong; Kasin Ransikarbum

Authors

Peerapat Khamhong Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ubonratchathani University, Ubonratchathani, Thailand
Kasin Ransikarbum Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ubonratchathani University, Ubonratchathani, Thailand

Keywords:

3D Printer Selection, Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process, Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution, Medical Model

Abstract

Additive manufacturing or three-dimensional printing (3DP) has recently received increased attention, resulting in a larger pool of available 3D printers to choose from. In this research, we analyzed the problem related to the selection of 3D printers using integrated fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and technique for order preference and similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Three key criteria/factors were considered, namely, product, materials and printer characteristics; 11 sub-criteria indeed arose from the above-mentioned 3 criteria viz. accuracy, part smoothness, part cost, build time, attractiveness, materials cost, tensile strength, elongation, printer cost, maximum build size and user preference. In addition, group decision making was analyzed based on two groups of decision makers, which are 3DP experts and 3DP users. Analyzed results revealed that the product factor was the most important; this was followed by the material factor and printer factor, with associated weights of 0.528, 0.298, and 0.173, respectively. Furthermore, the best alternative of 3D printers in this case study depended not only on the types of medical model, but also on the analyzed factors of interest. In particular, the best printer in terms of the product factor was noted to be SLA Ultra 3SP, with advantages of accuracy and user preference. The best printer with regard to the material factor was found to be FDM XYZ 3DP daVinci1.0A. FDM Flashforge Guider2s printer was found to be the most preferred 3D printer when considering the printer factor.

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