Decision support model for selecting additive or subtractive manufacturing

Abstract: Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is a manufacturing method where components are produced by successively adding material to the product layer by layer, unlike traditional machining where material is subtracted from a workpiece. There are advantages and disadvantages with both methods and it can be a complex problem to determine when one method is preferable to the other. The purpose of this study is to develop a decision support model (DSM) that quickly guides the end user in selecting an appropriate method with regards to production costs. Information is gathered through a literature study and interviews with people working with AM and CNC machining. The model takes into consideration material selection, size, times, quantities, geometric complexity, post-processing and environmental aspects. The DSM was formulated in Microsoft Excel. The difference in costs between each method in relation to quantity and complexity was made and compared to the literature. The AM model is verified with calculations from the Sandvik Additive Manufacturing. The margin of error is low, around two to six percent, when waste material isn’t included in the calculations. Unfortunately, verification of the CNC model hasn’t been performed due to a lack of data, which is therefore recommended as future work. The conclusion of the study is that AM will not replace any existing manufacturing method anytime soon. It is, however, a good complement to the metalworking industry, since small, complex parts with few tolerances benefits from AM. An investigation of existing solutions/services related to the study was also performed with the ambition that the DSM can complement existing solutions. It was found that while there are many services that helps companies with implementing AM through consulting, few provides any software to assist the company. Regarding the question if AM is profitable for certain products, only one software fulfilled that demand, though it didn’t provide any actual costs. The DSM therefore fills a gap among the existing services and software.