DECISION SUPPORT FOR 3D PRINTER SELECTION IN MANUFACTURING PROTOTYPING: AN AHP-BASED MULTI-CRITERIA ANALYSIS
Bojan Stojčetović,
Milan Mišić,
Martina Petković,
Strahinja Djurović,
Goran Maksimović,
Sanja Marković,
Nikolaj Velikinac
Abstract: The increasing complexity and dynamism of market demands necessitate rapid and efficient processes in manufacturing. 3D printing enables reduced prototyping time which can help companies to survive and be competitive. There are different additive manufacturing techniques such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), laminated object manufacturing (LOM), selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA) etc. Also, there are different 3D printers at the market. However, selecting an optimal 3D printer requires careful consideration of technical, economic, environmental, and performance criteria. This study employed the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate and rank four 3D printer models available in Serbia based on five criteria. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the decision-making model, with the highest-ranked alternative consistently maintaining its position under varying weight scenarios. The results demonstrate the utility of AHP in providing structured, reliable guidance for 3D printer selection, enabling manufacturers to enhance their prototyping capabilities efficiently.
Keywords: 3D printer, Selection, AHP
DOI: 10.24874/IJQR20.01-12
Recieved: 15.01.2025 Accepted: 08.07.2025 UDC:
Reads: 48 
