Systematic approach to the planning and execution of product remanufacture

Abstract

The challenge of remanufacturing is the production of quality products from returned discarded cores of unknown quality. Case studies and published literature reveal that there are no established processes tailored to the particular needs of product remanufacture. This paper outlines the difficulties associated with the planning and execution of product remanufacture. It then presents a systematic approach for the planning and execution of product remanufacture based upon the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) method. The approach is demonstrated in case studies of the remanufacture of an air-conditioning unit and a turbocharger. The results from the case studies are discussed and conclusions are drawn. The wider issues associated with remanufacturing including reliability and safety, further research opportunities and the design of functional products are then discussed and conclusions drawn.

Keywords

remanufacture risk reliability functional products

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