Decision support system for conversion of parts to additive manufacturing

Purpose This paper aims to provide a method to calculate a primary metric of annual cash flow benefit to convert a given part from conventional to additive manufacturing (AM). Design/methodology/approach This work derived a formulation that enables user entry inputs. This formulation also autonomously calculates the net annual cash flow obtained by converting a part to AM. This method uses the core product model as a basis, as well as insights from prior works about AM suitability. Findings A case study example illustrates that this method can provide a reasonable baseline of estimated value from each conversion, given obtainable user inputs. Results generated into the database schema designed for this purpose can enable further studies at enterprises. Originality/value This paper provides a method to calculate a single quantitative economic criterion often required by enterprises as a primary metric for informed decisions about when to convert legacy parts to AM. This method further enables results to be obtained efficiently. No other similar capabilities were found in published literature.