There is a need to develop guidelines for identifying situations where it is more beneficial to apply Additive Manufacturing (AM) as opposed to conventional methods of manufacturing. Thus, the aim of this paper is to propose a model for evaluating the sustainability of applying AM in the manufacture of transport equipment parts. A literature review was conducted to identify the parameters for selecting the part candidates. In the next stage, the criteria were ranked according to the needs of the transport equipment manufacturing industry using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. The next stage featured the development of the decision matrix using the weights and classified levels. To validate the proposed decision matrix, different case studies from literature were used. The weights obtained from the case studies were in agreement with the proposed evaluation model. This study will add to the understanding of how the AM industries can effectively screen potential part candidates, thereby promoting the overall sustainability of the AM process in terms of material conservation, geometric complexity and functionality. There is still a dearth of information on the evaluation models capable of identifying the core functions of the products and the applicable environment. The work presents a proposed framework for part selection using the evaluation model.

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Hot sheet metal forming tools are exposed to severe operating conditions which cause adhesion, abrasive wear and fatigue. This causes a reduction in tool life and increased tool maintenance costs. On the other hand, the need for eco-friendly tools has arisen. Surface modification technologies have created opportunities in the tooling industry because of their capability to reduce the thermal and mechanical wear of hot sheet metal forming tools hence extending tool life. However, the technologies have some challenges which limit their wide application and there is need for further development. The purpose of this paper is to give a review on the application of surface modification technologies in hot sheet metal forming tools. The paper also discusses future research areas in the modification of tool surfaces to reduce wear and friction in hot sheet metal forming tools.

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