Considering remanufacture and other end-of-life options in selection of fastening and joining methods

Abstract

This paper emphasizes remanufacturing as an end-of-life option and the effects of fastening and joining methods on remanufacture. Three case studies describe examples of fastening and joining that facilitate assembly and recycling but impede remanufacturing. To illustrate the impact of fastening choices on remanufacture relative to other life-cycle concerns, the development of a computer tool that estimates the effects of fastening and joining choices on manufacture, assembly, maintenance, remanufacture and recycling is in progress. The current implementation of the tool is described and used to compare the fastening methods that are used in the case studies with alternative fastening methods. These comparisons suggest that elements of fastening methods that are prone to failure be made separable from the remainder of the part.