Active Disassembly Boosts Remanufacturing Profitability in Small Electronics
Implementing active disassembly techniques can make the remanufacturing of small electrical and electronic products more profitable by facilitating easier and less destructive end-of-life processing.
International Journal of Sustainable Engineering · 2010
Key Findings
- 01Remanufacturing can be more profitable than conventional manufacturing and recycling.
- 02Active disassembly facilitates non-destructive product self-disassembly at end-of-life.
- 03Current remanufacturing profitability is high for large products but low for small, fast-moving electronics.
- 04Active disassembly has the potential to extend profitable remanufacturing to small electronic products.
Application
Design takeaway
Design small electronic products with integrated active disassembly mechanisms to simplify their deconstruction for remanufacturing, thereby increasing their end-of-life economic value.
How to apply
When designing new small electronic products, integrate features that allow for easy, non-destructive separation of components at the end of the product's life, specifically to facilitate remanufacturing.
Project actions
- 01Consider how a product can be easily disassembled without damage.
- 02Research the potential for remanufacturing components from discarded products.
- 03Investigate the economic benefits of remanufacturing versus recycling.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Highlights a novel approach (active disassembly) for a pressing environmental issue (WEEE).
- +Connects design strategy to economic benefits, making it relevant for industry.
Limitations
The profitability of remanufacturing can depend heavily on market demand, component availability, and the cost of labor for disassembly and repair, which may vary significantly.
Reliability & validity
The study's findings are based on conceptual analysis and existing knowledge of remanufacturing, rather than direct empirical testing of active disassembly on a wide range of small electronics, which could affect its direct applicability and generalizability.
Think critically
To what extent can active disassembly overcome the inherent cost challenges of remanufacturing small, high-volume electronic products in competitive global markets?
Design Principles
"Design for Active Disassembly to Enhance Remanufacturing Profitability."
As waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) becomes a significant global waste stream, finding economically viable methods for its recovery is crucial. This research suggests that by designing products for active disassembly, manufacturers can unlock new profit streams through remanufacturing, addressing both environmental pressures and market demands for sustainable products.
What This Means for Your Design
Making electronics easier to take apart at the end of their life can help companies make money by fixing them up and selling them again, especially for small gadgets.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the economic benefits of designing for disassembly and remanufacturing in your design project.
- 2.Use the concept of active disassembly to inform your own design choices for product longevity and repairability.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
(2010). Application of active disassembly to extend profitable remanufacturing in small electrical and electronic products. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1080/19397038.2010.511298 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/77a35342-7dc9-4034-b488-870adb3d84f2/active-disassembly-boosts-remanufacturing-profitability-in-small-electronics
Paragraph starter
The research by Ijomah and Chiodo (2010) suggests that implementing active disassembly techniques can significantly enhance the profitability of remanufacturing small electrical and electronic products. By designing products for easier, non-destructive deconstruction at their end-of-life, manufacturers can unlock new revenue streams and address the growing challenge of WEEE, aligning with principles of circular economy and sustainable design.
Source
International Journal of Sustainable Engineering
Application of active disassembly to extend profitable remanufacturing in small electrical and electronic products
journal · 2010
View sourceQuestions about this research
- What does the research say about active disassembly boosts remanufacturing profitability in small electronics?
- Design small electronic products with integrated active disassembly mechanisms to simplify their deconstruction for remanufacturing, thereby increasing their end-of-life economic value. Evidence: International Journal of Sustainable Engineering (2010).
- Why does "Active Disassembly Boosts Remanufacturing Profitability in Small Electronics" matter for design?
- As waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) becomes a significant global waste stream, finding economically viable methods for its recovery is crucial. This research suggests that by designing products for active disassembly, manufacturers can unlock new profit streams through remanufacturing, addressing both environmental pressures and market demands for sustainable products.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design small electronic products with integrated active disassembly mechanisms to simplify their deconstruction for remanufacturing, thereby increasing their end-of-life economic value.
- What were the main findings?
- Remanufacturing can be more profitable than conventional manufacturing and recycling.. Active disassembly facilitates non-destructive product self-disassembly at end-of-life.. Current remanufacturing profitability is high for large products but low for small, fast-moving electronics.. Active disassembly has the potential to extend profitable remanufacturing to small electronic products.
- What research method was used?
- Case study and conceptual analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2010 journal from International Journal of Sustainable Engineering.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing new small electronic products, integrate features that allow for easy, non-destructive separation of components at the end of the product's life, specifically to facilitate remanufacturing.
- What are the limitations?
- The study is largely conceptual and may not account for all real-world manufacturing and market complexities for small electronics.
- Is there evidence that active disassembly affects design outcomes?
- Active disassembly, a method allowing products to easily break down at their end-of-life, can significantly improve the economic viability of remanufacturing small electronic items, which is currently a challenge. As waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) becomes a significant global waste stream, finding eco Source: International Journal of Sustainable Engineering (2010).
- Where does this remanufacturing research apply?
- End-of-life management of small electrical and electronic products It sits within resource management research on designdex.org.
Related research topics
active disassembly design research · evidence on active disassembly · does active disassembly improve design outcomes · remanufacturing studies for designers · active disassembly and remanufacturing findings · resource management research evidence