Comparative Multi-Criteria Decision Making Analysis for Optimizing Mechanical Performance of Bio-inspired Structures Fabricated by Fused Deposition Modeling
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1
School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Hanoi University of Industry, Vietnam
 
2
Department of Facilities Management, Thai Nguyen University, Vietnam
 
 
Submission date: 2026-02-16
 
 
Final revision date: 2026-04-29
 
 
Acceptance date: 2026-04-30
 
 
Online publication date: 2026-05-18
 
 
Corresponding author
Van Dam Vu   

Department of Facilities Management, Thai Nguyen University, Viet Nam
 
 
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Three-dimensional (3D) printing via fused deposition modeling (FDM) enables the fabrication of complex bio-inspired structures with high design flexibility; however, achieving an optimal balance among mechanical performance indicators remains challenging. This study proposes a comparative multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for optimizing the mechanical performance of FDM-fabricated bio-inspired structures, including Gyroid (G), I-graph-wrapped package (IWP), Fischer–Koch–S (FKS), and Primitive–Gyroid–Modified–Y (PMY). Eight specimens manufactured using polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA reinforced with short carbon fibers (PLA–CF) were experimentally evaluated under compression to determine mass, deformation, load-bearing capacity, and elastic modulus. Objective criterion weights were determined using the MEREC method, and three MCDM techniques, SAW, TOPSIS, and EAMR were employed for performance ranking and comparison. The results consistently identify PMY printed with PLA–CF as the optimal design across all methods, demonstrating the robustness and reliability of the proposed framework. Overall, the optimal structure exhibits a favorable combination of low mass, high load capacity, minimal deformation, and superior elastic modulus. This study provides a systematic and experimentally validated approach for multi-objective mechanical optimization of bio-inspired structures in additive manufacturing.
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