Optimal material selection for 3D printing (PLA) using multi-criteria decision analysis

Material selection in additive manufacturing is a critical factor that directly affects the quality, cost, and performance of the final product. This paper addresses the problem of selecting the optimal PLA material for 3D printing using multi-criteria decision analysis. The methodology is based on the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process, enabling a systematic evaluation of multiple criteria such as cost, mechanical properties, print quality, temperature resistance, and environmental impact. A case study is conducted to demonstrate the ranking process of alternative materials, resulting in an optimal solution based on quantitative analysis. The results confirm that multi-criteria methods are effective tools for supporting engineering decision-making.