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Minimizing disassembly time and pathsAs disassembly accounts for a great part of recycling costs, it is imperative to minimize work input throughout this stage. Thus, minimizing time for disassembly is a prerequisite for the recyclability of parts and components. In most cases, this will also reduce the product's assembly time. Therefore, paths for (dis)assembly should be minimized, connections should be easily detachable, etc. 
Providing for easy access to connecting parts with standard toolsConnecting parts which are not easily or not at all accessible greatly impair disassembly. In such cases, the work requires either special tools (see example: long shank) or the disassembly is cumbersome and time consuming because there is not enough space for using the tool. 
Providing for disassembly with minimal repositioningAs far as its structure is concerned, a product should be designed in a way which requires a minimum amount of repositioning during disassembly. In particular, this applies to large, bulky products. A simple and readily identifiable product structure aids to minimize the input necessary for disassembly and facilitates the sorting of components. Since the cost of disassembly typically constitutes the greater part of overall waste product processing cost, it is crucial to minimize the disassembly time and paths. 
Ensuring easy access to connecting partsEasy access to connecting parts is a prerequisite for simple assembly and disassembly. Connecting parts should be arranged in such a way as to provide for good visibility and easy access with tools. 
Using easily detachable connectionsConnections which are easily detachable during usage and after end of life reduce time consuming disassembly work. In addition, nondestructive disassembly is a prerequisite for the recycling or reuse of structural parts. If parts are damaged during disassembly, only the material can be recycled. Due to the destruction of the material's structure, this alternative yields less value than a direct reuse of parts. |
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Institute for Engineering Design - ECODESIGN
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