Multi-attribute method for prioritization of sustainable prototyping technologies

The integration and quickness between the phases of product development process are key elements for companies' competitiveness and the prototyping tech- nologies provide relevant means for the development of new products. The prototyping of products by additive manufacturing can vary in quality, costs, materials and characteristics, however, incorporating environmental and sustainable attributes are important strategies to support the design for manufacturing. This paper proposes method for multi-attribute evaluation of prototyping technology asso- ciated with sustainable product conception. This proposal focuses on improving the decision-making process and provide the prioritization of technical characteristics and it was evaluated and validated, through case studies, applying selective laser sintering and fused deposition modelling technologies into two prototype developments: a bristles protector (lightweight composite product) and a toothbrush (single massive product). The research innovates by proposing a matrix that allows the inclusion of environ- mental and sustainable features in the design decision- making process, promoting the integration of multiple perspectives that involves customer, product and tech- nology associated with sustainable concepts meeting the current demand of the society and companies for the de- velopment of sustainable products.