A methodology for the selection of manufacturing processes based on the design of the Manufacturing Matrix

Abstract

This study proposes a decision method to help designers and engineers select the manufacturing process that meet the production performances, including environmental impacts. It has intended to make a decision on manufacturing parameters such as quality, time, cost and environmental impact. The methodology is structured and supported by a matrix called the manufacturing matrix. It is used to evaluate the relationships between the manufacturing process of each product attribute and the process parameters. The method is in 4 steps: create the manufacturing matrix, generate the solutions, evaluate the solutions and select the manufacturing process. The methodology is applied on an industrial case study in the leather good industry. It is able to help practically designers and engineers select the suitable manufacturing process.