A comparative study on material selection for micro-electromechanical systems

Material selection is an important task because large numbers of competitive materials are available for various technological applications. Numerous material selection techniques are reported whereas most of the techniques are knowledge based and require performance indices for material selection. In this context, Ashby approach is one of the efficient methods which rely on performance indices of materials in specific application. However Multiple attribute decision making (MADM) approaches do not require exact physical relation for material selection. We have investigated micro-electromechanical system’s (MEMS) material selection using MADM approaches and compared their results with that of Ashby approach. Almost similar materials ranking indicates that MADM approaches are also efficient and ease to apply without any prior mathematical calculation for materials properties-application relation.

► MEMS materials are selected using Multiple attribute decision making (MADM) approaches.
► MADM results are compared with that of material selection using Ashby approach.
► Good concurrence is found between the results of Ashby approach and MADM techniques.
► MADM techniques are efficient in selection and screening of materials.