Eco-efficiency Evaluation of Thermal Spraying Processes using Data Envelopment Analysis

Eco-efficiency can be used as a useful indicator for decision-making. However, there are several production segments in which studies on eco-efficiency have not been conducted. One example is the thermal spraying production system. To evaluate eco-efficiency in the context of thermal spraying, one must integrate an approach that is able to assess the environmental impacts generated, as well as the costs involved for each step of the process. One technique that can meet this need is the data envelopment analysis (DEA). The overall objective of this work is to evaluate the eco-efficiency of thermal spray processes, through a combination of environmental and economic indicators using DEA. The environmental and economic variables (input and output) to be evaluated in the spraying process were verified. The framework to be employed for eco-efficiency evaluation was defined, and the evaluation was performed using DEA. A total of 33 decision-making units (DMU)s were evaluated, defined by 33 combinations of spraying processes, varying in three types (high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF), arc spray, and flame spray). Of the 33 DMUs, 14 presented scores equal to 1, that is, 14 eco-efficient processes present in the three types of TS analyzed. The type of application material used can influence these results, which can cause variation in the process parameters and in the final cost of the product. Companies in the industry can use these results as a basis to analyze their processes from an environmental standpoint concomitantly with the costs involved and increase their competitiveness in the market.