Hybrid multi criteria decision making methodology for improving sustainability of the manufacturing sector

In this research work, an attempt was made to find the optimal parametric combination for improving the productivity of a production firm. Laser Welding (LW) and Electro Chemical Machining (ECM) were the two manufacturing processes selected for investigation. Power density, laser pulse waveform, laser pulse width, and welding speed were the distinct LW parameters selected for study, while ultimate tensile strength, hardness, and impact strength were measured as responses. In the case of ECM, current, voltage, electrolyte concentration, and feed rate were the different ECM parameters investigated. Experimental runs were designed using an L27 Taguchi orthogonal array, wherein Material Removal Rate, Surface Roughness, and machined surface hardness were measured as responses.The obtained results were optimized using the VIKOR and TOPSIS optimization techniques. The parametric combinations possessing the top five assessment values were further optimized using the ELECTREE optimization technique. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of process and design optimization techniques. Sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the obtained results.