As stated at its definition, the most important thing in remanufacture is to bring the product or the component back to a like-new functionality. Problems arise when this requirement does not be fulfilled. There are some issues that can reduce product’s remanufacturability:
• Materials that are not durable.
Using non-durable materials can cause damages through the remanufacturing process. Even if the product does not be damaged, will probably be deteriorated during its “second-life” use.
• Inappropriate joining technologies
Joining technologies that does not allow the effortless separation of the components, can be time consuming or lead to component’s breakage during disassembly.
• Inappropriate materials properties
Parts that …show more content…
The most efficient method to improve remanufacture is through design (both product and process design).
“Design for Remanufacture” (DfRem) is a design approach that can detect and prevent potential problems in remanufacture. Therefore, Design for Remanufacture plays a significant role in the optimization of the remanufacturing process. With this design approach, wealth can be generated as a result of cutting waste management costs, reducing disassembly times and enhance remanufacturing profits of the “second-life” products.
Although remanufacture can be more cost effective than manufacture, maximizing profits continues to be a priority for the remanufacturing sector, with focus on minimizing remanufacturing lead times. Maximizing product’s remanufacturability through Design for Remanufacture (DfRem) can enhance remanufacture and increase profits. (Grey and Charter, 2006 sustain8).
Designers should consider all the steps of the remanufacturing process, if they want to maximize product’s remanufacturability. In each of these steps, there are some important properties to be considered at the designing …show more content…
With Rem-Pro matrix, designers are able to identify what properties are essential for the different remanufacturing steps. Therefore, designers should, first, investigate which remanufacturing steps are critical for each product and then try to make the remanufacturing process efficient, considering the product properties. Working like this, designers will be able to address problems and overcome obstacles that may be arise in the remanufacturing process, while maximizing the remanufacturability of the product (Sundin, 2004 sustain9)
Although the designers should focus on which steps are vital for each product, they should, always, have in mind the remanufacturing process as a whole, when designing. Problems arise when focusing on one remanufacturing step hamper the implementation of the others. Designing with focus on the whole process, makes clear the main goal of remanufacturing, which is the ability of the remanufactured part to be used again. If the parts are, finally, not able to be re-used, none of the product properties