Evaluation of the importance of additive manufacturing technology in terms of sustainable production with the DEMATEL method

Abstract

It is possible to argue that Additive Manufacturing technology has positive environmental impacts when compared to traditional production. The Additive Manufacturing technology, which provides less waste of raw materials with the use of smart materials, allows the materials to be included in the production process layer by layer (i.e. in a stratified manner) and with very high precision. Based on this point of view, the importance of Additive Manufacturing technology emerges for a sustainable production approach minimizing negative environmental effects, protecting energy and natural resources, and aiming to produce products rationally. Additive Manufacturing, which focuses on innovation and creativity, should take its place in industries as part of a holistic sustainability plan. With this study, the purpose was to determine the importance of Additive Manufacturing technology for sustainable production. It is thought that the results to be reached by the study will constitute a guiding reference for the strategies that the enterprises will develop on the subject. In this context, important application areas of Additive Manufacturing technology that are considered to contribute to sustainable production were uncovered as a result of a wide literature review and expert opinions. Ten criteria, which were considered to contribute to the sustainable production of Additive Manufacturing technology, were identified and the effects and relations among these criteria were analyzed with the DEMATEL Method. Obtained results show that Additive Manufacturing technology has a very important effect on sustainable production, with its contributions such as developing sustainable solutions, enabling green production, encouraging the production of innovative products, and preventing excessive resource use.