Demanufacturing complexity metrics in design for recyclability

This paper proposes a new design chart and associated recycling complexity metrics to aid in the early identification of product subassemblies with recyclability enhancement opportunities. The recyclability map combines sort complexity and scrap rate information available to the designer at an early stage in the design. The map helps designers optimize recyclability by highlighting subassemblies where appropriate material selection and disassembly redesigns can reduce scrap rate and retirement costs. Research contributions include development of the impact of variable recycling process technologies in demanufacturing, and elaboration of the recyclability map approach. Redesign of an inkjet printer for improved recyclability is used as a validation example