A Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model for Rapid Prototyping Supply Chain

Rapid prototyping (RP), an emerging technology that fabricates a three dimensional physical model from CAD data using an additive process. RP has been developed to reduce product development time and cost. Recently, a number of RP techniques along with different machine models are available to produce the prototype. Each model has specific characteristics in terms of accuracy, strength, roughness, cost, material, etc. With these characteristics. It becomes difficult to choose most suitable RP process for manufacturers.
This paper deals with the selection of a suitable RP process based on multiple attribute decision making system that best suits the end use of a part. Evaluation factors include only major attributes that significantly affect the performance of an RP system such as accuracy, roughness, strength, part cost, material. The major attributes are identified as falling within approximate ranges due to many variable parameters.
This paper proposes a methodology that is based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). This methodology offers a simple, systematic and logical procedure for decision making. By this methodology, each attribute's relative weight is assigned using a pair wise comparison matrix. With these relative weights, the final ranking order aids in the selection of RP process. C language is used to store, edit and update RP process characteristic database and also to Implement this methodology. The methodology presents supply chain integration on an inter business relationship. The proposed system act as a virtual consultant between the RP process industries and manufacturing industries taking into account of benefits of both the manufacturing industries and end user. Thus this system strengthens the supply chain.