A generic method for multi-criterion decision-making problems in design for additive manufacturing

In this paper, a generic method based on fuzzy aggregation operator for multi-criterion decision-making problems in design for additive manufacturing is proposed. Firstly, a fuzzy power weighted Maclaurin symmetric mean operator based on Hamacher T-norm and T-conorm is constructed via a combination of fuzzy numbers, power average operator, weights, Maclaurin symmetric mean operator, and operational rules of fuzzy numbers based on Hamacher T-norm and T-conorm. Based on the constructed operator, a generic method for solving the multi-criterion decision-making problems in design for additive manufacturing is then developed. After that, an example of additive manufacturing machine and material selection and an example of optimal build direction selection are introduced to illustrate the developed method. Finally, a set of numerical experiments are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness and capabilities of the method. The demonstration results suggest that the method can effectively solve a multi-criterion decision-making problem in design for additive manufacturing and has the characteristics in considering the interactions of criteria, reducing the effect of noise criterion values, and capturing the risk attitude of decision-makers.