Selecting Parts for Additive Manufacturing in Aerospace Sector: Multi-criteria Analysis

At a high level of product complexity, which is an aircraft, the selection of "right" parts is an activity that requires high work expenses and appropriate engineering knowledge. Data for this type of assessment should come at least from EDM/PDM class systems and from consultations with development and production departments. The first and the key stage in the process of implementing additive technologies for production is the part selection stage. The starting point for this process is to realize that AM technologies are not always the optimal ones in terms of technology and economy for the production of parts with their participation. They have manufacturing limitations related to the availability of processed materials and devices and are related to the possibility of shape mapping or achieving given performance. Therefore, when considering the parts selection, it should be considered whether: a) parts can be manufactured using current AM systems and materials, b) the parts implemented have economic justification, c) parts meet the criteria of the final product [1]. Finding a common point for these conditions can help us exploit the potential of the new manufacturing method. In this papers a methodology for a part selection process is presented and the different criteria are developed to allow for a qualitative and quantitative assessment. This methodology is based on multicriteria matrix containing a case study from the aviation sector.