Restoration of Remanufacturable Components Using Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

Repair and restoration is an important step in remanufacturing as it ensures that end-of-life products are returned to as-new condition before entering their subsequent life cycle. Currently, repair and restoration processes are carried out manually by skilled workers. The advent of the additive manufacturing (AM) technology has led researchers to seek its potential in automating repair and restoration as a more effective method in remanufacturing. However, the application of this widespread technology in remanufacturing is still new. This paper provides an overview on the principles and capabilities of the existing AM technology. The potential of Direct Energy Deposition technology for repair and restoration of remanufacturable components are discussed along with issues and challenges that need to be addressed since the components need to be returned to as in new condition or at least matching the original specification. This paper proposed the development of design guidelines for restoration of remanufacturable products using AM in order to support life cycle thinking in the development of environmentally sustainable products. The use of AM as the future technology for automated repair and restoration is in-line with the current Industrial Revolution 4.0.