Technological maturity assessment of advanced metal subtractive manufacturing process

The degree of maturity of subtractive manufacturing technology (SMT) which has evolved over ages has not been established anywhere in the competitive manufacturing and quality hierarchy, including the latest advanced manufacturing computer and numerical control (CNC) digital machining. Having been applied in the advanced metal additive manufacturing technology, this paper adopted and implemented artificial intelligent-based generic semi-direct technological maturity assessment methodology (SDTMAM) model; EbereDimMT001 on the advanced metal SMT along its process capability variable of product quality (PQ). Started with major five adopted to the expanded eighteen-number process product quality parameters. Also adopted is a set of 28 sub-parametric manufacturing process performance indices, a set of 26 research statement and propositions coined from the performance indices each as applicable to the technological maturity assessment project were as well adopted. As required, the set of 26-questionnaire was designed based on artificial intelligence principle Fuzzy logic and Set theories, and were coupled for the experts’ survey to source the research data from the target 150-expert respondents. Data analytics models were utilized progressively and systematically as generic scientific tools to assess and analyze the maturity level of the advanced metal subtractive manufacturing technology. A continuous capability maturity model integration (CMMI) model was adopted as a reference maturity profile for the technological maturity experts’ survey ranking and assessment results. The PQ technological maturity assessment of the advanced metal SMT is found at 3.94 maturity level (ML) being the mean result of the fuzzy experts’ survey result, which falls within the quantitatively managed maturity level 4 of 5, therefore at 78.8% maturity. Simulation of the result was consistently found at the mean value, and within the quantitatively managed maturity level of 4 of 5. Therefore, justifies the seamlessness and validity of the model; EbereDimMT001, as well, represents the maturity level of the advanced metal subtractive manufacturing technology based on product quality. However, sourcing of data and application of the model in this research is a private effort. So, it is recommended that the questionnaire should be further administered up further, at the upper echelon of advanced (metal subtractive) manufacturing industries and research institutions of the world for research data and implementation for a possible variation or improved result.