Evaluation and selection of a casting process using interval type-2 fuzzy analytical hierarchy process

Abstract

Selection of a casting process is a kind of multi-criteria decision-making process, in which several factors like cost, material utilisation and flexibility, geometrical complexity and flexibility and dimensional accuracy and surface finish. As cost is considered one of the prime criteria in decision making, it is further sub-categorised into three sub-criteria, i.e., tooling cost, equipment cost, and labour cost. Past researchers have used multi-criteria decision-making technique like analytical hierarchy process along with type-1 fuzzy in the evaluation and selection of casting process, which is successful in handling the fuzziness of the system but are unable to address the issue of uncertainty associated with decision making. So, in this paper interval type-2 fuzzy analytical hierarchy process is used to evaluate and select best casting process among sand casting, gravity die casting, shell moulding, plaster mould casting, pressure die casting and investment casting, and capable of handling uncertainty associated with decision making. A numerical illustration is solved using the interval type-2 fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and it is found that investment casting is evaluated as best casting process for cam carrier and is ranked number one.