Title: Objective-based multiple attribute decision-making method for plastic manufacturing process selection

Authors: P.L. Ramkumar; D.M. Kulkarni

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, BITS Pilani-Goa Campus, Zuari Nagar, Goa-403726, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, BITS Pilani-Goa Campus, Zuari Nagar, Goa-403726, India

Abstract: Selection of appropriate manufacturing process for processing plastics is the biggest challenge during the preliminary design stage. As the selection decisions are complex, there is a need for simple, systematic, and logical methods or mathematical tools to guide decision makers in considering a number of selection attributes and their interrelations in making right decisions. In this paper, we have explored an objective-based multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) method for the selection of plastic manufacturing process. The method uses fuzzy logic to convert qualitative attributes into the quantitative attributes. The procedure has been adapted to rank different process, to quantitatively assist a designer to select a suitable process from a long list for a specific application. A case study of process selection for a plastic moulded automotive fuel tank is used to explain the intricacies involved. The selection is also compared with other graphical methods of decision-making.

Keywords: process selection; multiple attribute decision making; MADM; graphical methods; line graph; spider graph; plastics manufacturing; decision analysis; preliminary design; fuzzy logic; process design; plastic moulding; moulded fuel tanks; automotive fuel tanks; case study.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2014.066696

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2014 Vol.28 No.4/5/6, pp.184 - 199

Received: 02 Aug 2013
Accepted: 17 Mar 2014

Published online: 11 Jan 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article