TOOL STEEL MATERIALS SELECTION UNDER FUZZY ENVIRONMENT

A fuzzy set multiple criteria decision making approach is proposed to help selecting the most suitable tool steel materials for a specific m anufacturing application such as die design, jig and fixture design. T he important weights of different criteria and the material suitabilit y ratings of various alternatives under different criteria are given i n linguistic terms. Subsequently, they are represented in fuzzy lingui stic values and fuzzy numbers. Through aggregation and ranking of fuzz y numbers, the most suitable tool steel material is determined. A hypo thetical example is illustrated. Further, by computerizing the propose d method, and incorporating appropriate interface design together with a data base of tool steel materials assessment information from the h andbook, a decision support system can be constructed.