Benchmarking of rapid prototyping systems using grey relational analysis

In this paper, grey relational analysis and fuzzy technique of order preference by a similarity to ideal solution (fuzzy TOPSIS) methods are proposed for selection of rapid prototyping systems considering both benefit and non‐benefit criteria. The criteria may be qualitative or quantitative in nature. The results of grey relational analysis are compared with well‐known fuzzy TOPSIS method. The advantage of grey theory over fuzzy theory is that grey theory considers the condition of the fuzziness, i.e., grey theory can deal flexibly with the fuzziness situation. Six RP systems are chosen and compared addressing to various criteria such as dimensional accuracy and surface quality, part cost, build time and material properties. Finally, it has been concluded that selective laser sintering (SLS 2500) is the most appropriate RP system for better dimensional accuracy and surface quality whereas 3‐D printing (Z 402) is an appropriate RP system for better build time.