Comparison of the Classic and Hybrid Production Methods with the Use of SLM Taking into Account the Aspects of Sustainable Production Development

Abstract

Problems on the world market, related to delays in supply chains, have forced enterprises to adopt a more fl exible approach in the production processes of the off ered products. In order to meet customer needs, companies can often look for alternative supply chains, as well as take over the production of key components necessary to maintain business continuity. Therefore, companies have to make important decisions in the context of management. A simulation model may be a tool helpful in making decisions related to production planning, which, based on the actual data collected from the process, allows for the verifi cation of decisions before entering them into the real system. The motivation to conduct the research was the search for answers: How entrepreneurs, while maintaining profi tability, can ensure the continuity of production processes by searching for alternative production methods. The article considers a comparison of two production processes for the production of a shield type product: classic production -on a lathe and hybrid production using the SLM method and machining only technologically signifi cant surfaces on a lathe. The main goal of the research is to compare two production processes: classic and hybrid in terms of effi ciency, energy effi ciency and production costs. The research takes into account the use of diff erent laser powers and the possibility of incremental production of several products at the same time. In order to achieve the assumed goal, a simulation model was used to carry out the research, which was developed on the basis of preliminary experimental studies. A series of simulations were performed, taking into account the variability criteria, and then the effi ciency, energy effi ciency and profi tability of using alternative production methods were analysed. The purpose of the article is comparison of two production processes, classic and hybrid, in terms of effi ciency, production costs and electricity consumption.