A strategy for the selection of multiple materials and processes fulfilling inherently incompatible functions: The case of successive surface treatments

Multiple surface treatment technologies are used as an example of: (i) simultaneous selection of materials and processes; (ii) selection of multiple materials each of which fulfills different functions; and (iii) selection of materials with incompatibility issues. A questionnaire-based screening algorithm uses a small surface treatment database mostly filled in with Booleans to address these issues. It relies on the fact that functions can be brought by the first treatment, the latest treatment, all treatments or at least one treatment, like for corrosion resistance. Functions are associated with attributes and combinations of treatments are suggested. The system is illustrated for four examples (automobile corrosion protection, electronic packaging, aluminum die casting and wear protection of gears) and successfully proposes candidates from literature as well as alternatives. It can be used as an exchange tool between the users and the providers of surface treatments, as a marketing tool for a specific family of processes or as a complement to industrial drawing software. •The selection of multiple surface treatments is rationalized.•The issue of several functions brought by different operations is exemplified.•A systematic approach is proposed to pile up functions based on the user's needs.•Then, the necessary attributes are imposed for each individual treatment.•A small database is used to run the algorithm.