Multi-Criteria Decision-Support for Manufacturing Process Chain Selection in the Context of Functionally Graded Components

In this contribution a methodology for a multi-criteria decision-support for manufacturing process chain selection in the context of functionally graded components is presented. The basis for this decision-support is provided by a framework for the computer-aided planning and optimisation of manufacturing process chains of functionally graded components, which is still under development. To distinguish between several alternative process chains it is necessary to consider those decision criteria that can not explicitly be specified within the CAD model. A matrix-supported algorithm guarantees a consistent weighting of these decision criteria while enabling a fine-granular rating scale. As a result, a ranking of the different process chains is achieved that constitutes the basis for the decision maker to select the favourite alternative.