Development of productivity estimation model for mass-customized production by selective laser melting

Abstract

Purpose Fixed structures in prosthetic dentistry are highly customized products, manufactured individually for patients who have missing teeth. When choosing the technology for fixed dental structure manufacturing, three viable options are available (precise casting, milling and selective laser melting [SLM]). All these technologies can be used to produce a dental structure from CoCr alloy. Besides materials and availability of technologies, economic efficiency is an important factor when choosing a production method. The purpose of this study is to develop an estimation model for achievable productivity of selective laser melting and compare the results with the productivity of conventional manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach Results presented in this paper are based on manufacturing time analysis of an individual case with each of the technologies mentioned above. Because of the efficiency of SLM is highly dependent on how efficiently the work space of the machine is used, this issue was also included in the research. Data used for research were acquired from practical use of each technology in dental applications. Findings Analysis of achievable SLM manufacturing speeds is based on the previous research into manufacturing speeds of additive manufacturing technologies. The presented results present a model that can be used to estimate the productivity of the SLM technology. Research limitations/implications Research was limited to a specific SLM machine type with a fixed workspace volume. Nevertheless, the results show that any SLM machine has to be used as efficiently as possible to be able to be competitive regarding the conventional manufacturing technologies. Practical implications The presented results show clearly at least a rough estimation of what kind of parts and in what volume will be manufactured with an SLM machine prior to buying one. Social implications Results can help to widen the economically efficient way of running SLM machines, replacing conventional manufacturing for medical applications especially with complicated cases. Originality/value A method is presented to adapt the estimation model to a particular real-life production scenario. This method can be used to establish how efficiently selective laser sintering can be used and if using SLM machine instead of conventional manufacturing would be economically viable.