Coating material selection for bulk metal forming dies: A MEREC-integrated approach with multiple MCDM methods

Usually heat treated tool steel is further processed with hard ceramic-based coatings to improve the wear resistance and mechanical properties of the die elements. Over the years, a multitude of coating materials have been developed, however, the right selection of the coating material remains a challenge. The present work examines the coating material selection problem for sheet metal forming applications using mathematical models from four different multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches merged with the MEREC (Method Based on the Removal Effects of Criteria) method. Criterion weights are determined by the MEREC technique, and nine different types of coating material choices are ranked by the MCDM methods. The robustness of the rankings, was further confirmed using sensitivity analysis carried out in four steps. The resilience and dependability of the TOPSIS approach in resolving MCDM issues are demonstrated by the sensitivity analysis results. The study also employs the suggested methodology for a coating material selection problem that has been published previously, producing rankings that are generally consistent with those reported in the literature.