How to calculate the Remanufacturability Index of your products
In today's environmentally conscious world, the ability to recycle energy-related products is critical to sustainability and efficiency. The European standard EN 45553:2020 provides a comprehensive method for evaluating the reprocessability of these products. This article will guide you through understanding and applying this standard to evaluate the Remanufacturability Index of your products.
Introduction to Reprocessability
Remanufacturing is an industrial process that involves restoring used products or parts to like-new condition, making at least one significant modification that affects the safety, performance, or purpose of the product. This process not only extends the life of the product, but also promotes the reuse of components and the recycling of materials, which contributes to material efficiency and sustainability.
Scope of EN 45553:2020
EN 45553:2020 provides a general method for evaluating the recyclability of energy-related products (ErPs). It is intended for technical committees that create standards for different product groups. The document describes the essential steps and criteria for assessing the reprocessability of an ErP.
steps of the refurbishment process
inspection: Determination of the condition and functionality of the product and its parts.
Disassembly: Separation of the product into its components.
Cleaning: removal of impurities from the parts.
Post-processing: repairing, reworking, or upgrading parts.
Montage: Reassemble the product with remanufactured or new parts.
Check: Checking the functionality and security of the refurbished product.
Storage: Appropriate storage of the product until needed.
Product attributes for refurbishability
Each step of the remanufacturing process is linked to specific product attributes that need to be evaluated. The standard lists several attributes, including:
• Identification: ease of determining the condition and functionality of the parts.
• Findability of access points and fixtures: Ease of identifying key elements for disassembly and assembly.
• Part accessibility: Ease of access to parts for disassembly, cleaning, post-processing, and assembly.
• Disassembly/mountability: Ease of disconnection and reassembly of the product.
• Wear and damage resistance: Durability of parts during the remanufacturing process.
criteria for evaluating product attributes
For each attribute, the standard provides criteria for evaluating the reprocessability of an ErP. Here are some examples:
• Identification: presence of diagnostic tools, information on functionality and indications of hazardous substances.
• Access Point Location: Clear markings for access points and fixtures, and provide diagrams.
• Accessibility: Easy access to parts during disassembly and assembly, modularity of parts and cleanability.
• Dismountability/Mountability: ease of handling parts, number and type of tools needed, and symmetry of parts.
• Wear and damage resistance: Strength of materials and resistance to cleaning agents.
Documentation of the assessment
The evaluation of the reprocessability of an ErP should be thoroughly documented. These include:
• General information: Details of the assessment initiator and date and location of the report.
• Scope: description of the product being evaluated and assumptions applied.
• Input data and approach: data and methods used for the evaluation, including the remanufacturing steps, product attributes, and criteria.
• Results: Results of the assessment, including qualitative and quantitative data.
Quantitative Evaluation Methods
The standard also provides examples of quantitative methods for evaluating product attributes. For example, the accessibility index of a product can be calculated based on the accessibility of individual parts. Similarly, the disassembly sequence and depth can be evaluated to determine the ease of removing parts from a product.
For more detailed information, visit the DIN website.
How can ComplyMarket help you calculate the Remanufacturability Index of your products?
We have developed state-of-the-art technology that uses artificial intelligence to simulate complex mathematical equations, allowing us to calculate the Remanufacturability Index in just a few minutes and in accordance with the requirements of EN 45553:2020. Simply enter as much information as you can, and our tool will calculate the reliability score of your product.
Contact us now for a demo.
Comments
Leave a comment or ask a question