Remanufactured Parts Research Articles

Resurfacing the exhaust valve by plasma spraying versus electric arc and gas flame methods

In modern conditions of economic instability in various sectors of industry for the national economic complex, it is important to improve the technology for repairing parts of power units, while the development of modern technological methods for restoring the contact surfaces of parts should be carried out in the conditions of enterprises and be accessible. The article compares the most common methods of surface parts restoration, such as flame, plasma spraying and electric arc surfacing. Studied experience of various specialists working in this direction made it possible to implement these reduction methods using a charge based on a mineral tungsten-containing concentrate, boron and carbon. The process of alloying the resulting coatings was investigated, where tungsten is in the form of tungsten trioxide (WO3) and calcium tungstate (CaWO4). A comparative analysis of the methods for restoring the surface of the exhaust valve cone of the D49 diesel engine has been carried out. The article presents results of microand macroanalysis of the structures of the obtained coatings and the base metal of the restored part, the results of the analysis of the chemical composition, the evaluation of the microhardness and adhesive strength of the adhesion of the obtained coatings to the surface of the base metal. Authors substantiated the prospect of applying the methods of gas-thermal restoration of the surface of parts in relation to the method of electric arc surfacing. Subsequent studies will focus on the installation of remanufactured parts in the internal combustion engine of the locomotive, their operation in real conditions, and the assessment of reliability and durability. Research in this direction will improve the quality indicators of the restored surfaces of power unit parts of rolling stock.

The mediating role of functionality orientation for purchasing remanufactured products: Cases in China, Indonesia, and Thailand

AbstractManufacturers face several obstacles when marketing remanufactured products (RMPs), and therefore must appeal to consumers’ motivational desires to influence their purchase decisions. Informed by regulatory focus theory, this research contributes by examining the role that consumers’ environmental awareness and functionality orientation play in influencing their willingness to purchase RMPs. Limited research attention has been paid to the importance of consumers’ functionality orientations. The critical attributes of functionality orientation are perceptions of functionality, value, and relative pricing. Potential consumers of remanufactured automobile parts in China, Indonesia, and Thailand are surveyed and the data suggest consumers’ functionality orientations can partially mediate the relationship between consumers’ environmental awareness and their willingness to purchase RMPs. This finding indicates that remanufacturers can increase consumers’ willingness to purchase RMPs by informing them of the products’ benefits for the environment and by demonstrating and confirming that RMPs have the same functionality as new products. This research improves understanding of how firms can influence consumer perceptions of RMPs, and the findings can be used to inform practitioners who seek to optimize the value proposition of RMPs by informing consumers about the environmental benefits and functionality of RMPs.

Indonesians’ Perceptions of Auto Parts Remanufactured in China: Implications for Global Remanufacturing Operations

Remanufacturing is a key strategy for achieving a circular economy. One crucial obstacle to remanufacturing is consumers’ acceptance (or non-acceptance) of remanufactured products. The current study investigated Indonesian consumers’ perceived images of remanufactured auto parts (RAPs) remanufactured in China. Consumers’ perception of a target country can be either helpful or damaging for an international business. If China seeks successful remanufacturing operations across national boundaries, it must establish national branding and manage the image of remanufactured products to meet and exceed consumer expectations in the global market. An online survey with 500 respondents was conducted to examine (1) how basic product knowledge of RAPs influence consumers’ perceived risks and benefits, (2) whether consumers’ purchase intention of RAPs made in the home country influences their purchase intention of RAPs made in China, and (3) whether the trust in the RAP certification increases purchase intention of RAPs.

Fibre structure preservation in composite recycling using thermolysis process

Recycling of thermoset carbon fibre reinforced polymer (TS-CFRP) composites using thermal processes result in recovered carbon fibres (rCF), being fluffy and losing their alignment and length, leading to a deteriorating impact on the remanufactured part mechanical properties. In this work, the thermolysis recycling process is used to preserve the fibre structure including fabric stacking sequence, fibre orientation, alignment and length from the waste TS-CFRP parts. Investigation on the rCF structures with varying fabric and stacking sequence has been conducted to understand fibre nesting, alignment disturbance and permeability characteristics for composites remanufacturing. The fibre nesting in the rCF structures affects the permeability and hence should be considered for optimising the remanufacturing process parameters. Mechanical characterisation – tensile and interlaminar shear strength – of TS-CFRP and TS-rCFRP parts has also been carried out and compared with the properties from the existing literature to understand the effect of multiple recycling on the performance of the remanufactured composite parts with preserved fibre structure. The results showed that the overall fibre structure from the waste TS-CFRP part can be preserved using the thermolysis process providing the potential to directly replace the long virgin fibres in the manufacture of products with structural value. The remanufactured composite parts retain 80~90% of the TS-CFRP modulus after multiple recycling. The reduction in tensile properties of the TS-rCFRP parts was recorded compared to TS-CFRP parts, mainly due to the removal of fibre sizing. However, after first recycling, minimal reduction in tensile properties was recorded in the subsequent recycling.

ESTIMATING THE QUALITY OF POWDER WIRE SURFACING RESTORATION OF SCOOP CHAIN FAST-WEARING PARTS WITH THE USE OF ULTRASONIC

On the example of the fingers of the scoop chain, a technique is proposed for the integral assessment of the quality of restoration of parts using elastic waves - ultrasound. The purpose of the work is to ensure the efficiency of measurements when assessing the quality of remanufactured parts in the conditions of a repair base. For this, data on the attenuation of elastic waves when they pass through the restored part were used. Unlike precision measurements of the velocity of elastic waves, the measurement of ultrasound attenuation does not require laboratory equipment, a conventional industrial flaw detector is sufficient. To assess the quality of the product, the transducer was alternately installed at points determined along the length of the finger, the probe beam was directed along the diameter and the first pulse of elastic vibrations reflected from the opposite side of the finger was recorded and the second, which passed two additional diameters of the finger. Found a quantitative indicator that allows you to assess the quality of restoration of the part. The proposed method to a certain extent solves the problem of integral assessment of the state of the restored finger of the scoop chain. To prevent premature failure of parts restored by welding with flux-cored wire, it is enough to introduce into practice an easy procedure for controlling sound attenuation.

Consumer Purchasing Intentions and Marketing Segmentation of Remanufactured New-Energy Auto Parts in China

This study tests and verifies the main factors influencing consumers’ intention to purchase and the marketing strategy of remanufactured new-energy automobile parts in China. The revised model of Theory of Reasoned Action is used to study the factors influencing consumers’ intention to purchase. The main factors influencing consumer purchase intention of remanufactured new-energy automobile parts in China are identified through correlation analysis of factors including subjective norms, attitudes, face consciousness, brand extension, and perceived risk. Through market segmentation, consumers in China are divided into three types: passive-accepted, brand-driven, and green-consuming; the marketing strategy is developed accordingly. This study provides theory and decision-making basis for remanufactured new-energy automobile parts markets.

Life Balance-Considered Matching Optimization Method for Remanufactured Parts

Abstract In the manufacturing process of remanufactured products, balancing the life between their components is one of the important measures to achieve full utilization of waste components and sustainable economic development. In order to prolong the life cycle of remanufactured products and increase the life of parts and components, a life balance-considered matching optimization method is proposed for remanufactured parts in the process of components matching. By comprehensively considering the life matching degree of remanufactured parts and the matching success rate, a life balance-considered matching optimization model is established for remanufactured parts. We adopted an improved ant colony algorithm to solve the proposed matching model to get multiple sets of optimal component combinations with minimal life deviations between component combinations. The correctness of the model and the effectiveness of the algorithm are verified by taking the gear reducer component matching process as an example.

Developing demand forecasting model of remanufactured parts of mining machinery

Abstract Remanufacturing is an effective measure for circular economy. In a maintenance business of mining machines, remanufactured parts are used as spare parts. In this business, forecasting demand of parts is critical for reproduction planning. This research proposes a demand forecasting model regarding the replacement as probability event. In the forecasting model, the demand is simulated using the actual data of mining machinery operation. The results show that, although there exist gaps between the simulated and the actual values, the simulation succeeded in reproducing rough trends of the demand. Solving these gaps will increase the accuracy of the demand forecast.

Consumer Perception of Remanufactured Automotive Parts and Policy Implications for Transitioning to a Circular Economy in Sweden

Promoting longer lifetimes and efficient re-use of products has a significant potential to save resources and reduce adverse environmental impacts, especially for products that have large resource footprints related to extraction and production processes, as for instance automobiles. Remanufacturing is a product life extension strategy promoting the effective and efficient re-use of products by replacing worn-out components with used or end-of-life parts restored to “like-new” condition and functionality. For developing remanufacturing processes, it is important to take into account the consumers’ perception of remanufactured products, together with factors such as technology and operations management. Previous research has concluded that the perception of a product or service constitutes a critical factor in consumers’ decision-making. However, there is a lack of studies exploring consumers’ perceptions of remanufactured parts, especially in Europe. This contribution analyses the results of an on-line survey (n = 203) of Swedish consumers, concerning their familiarity with remanufactured auto parts and their perceptions on associated benefits and risks. The survey revealed that Swedish car owners have limited knowledge about remanufactured parts. On the other hand, they do recognise the benefits of using such parts, without showing a significant risk aversion in their purchase decision. The survey also explored consumers’ opinion on potential measures to bridge the identified gap in knowledge, revealing that although they would trust a quality certification scheme for remanufactured auto parts—preferably set up by an industry association—that would not be the most critical factor in their purchase decision. Concluding, the article points out the potential of policy interventions to raise consumers’ perception of remanufactured parts to create a market pull for expanding their uptake, and thus increasing the overall resource efficiency in the automotive sector.

The coupling mechanism of reassembly quality with uncertainty of remanufactured parts

PurposeThe uncertainty of remanufacturing parts is a key factor affecting the quality of remanufactured products. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to measure the uncertainty of remanufactured parts and study the coupling mechanism of reassembly quality.Design/methodology/approachFirst, uncertainty of remanufactured parts is analyzed, and the uncertainty measure model for remanufacturing parts based on entropy is constructed. Second, the nonlinear mapping model between the uncertainty and reassembly quality were studied using Gauss-Newton iterative method to reveal the coupling mechanism between uncertainty of remanufacturing parts and reassembly quality. Finally, the model is verified in the reassembly process of remanufacturing cylinder head.FindingsThe method can guide reassembly operations to improve the reassembly quality with uncertainty of remanufactured parts.Originality/valueThis study provides practical implications by developing a multivariate nonlinear mapping model for reassembly quality based on entropy to determine the uncertainty factors that affect the reassembly quality significantly and then correct the reassembly operation to better optimize the allocation of remanufacturing production resources. The study also theoretically contributes to reveal the coupling mechanism of reassembly quality with the uncertainty of remanufactured parts.

Evaluation of environmental impact and benefits for remanufactured construction equipment parts using Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract Remanufacturing is an effective resource recycling approach that reproduces the used products to the same quality level of the new products through a systematic process. The remanufacturing of construction equipment reduces the negative impacts on of the environment while ensuring sustainable productivity at low cost. In this study, LCA was implemented to analyze the environmental impacts including reduction of greenhouse gases and resources in remanufactured construction equipment parts. In addition, we analyzed the economic benefits of remanufacturing for the major parts of the construction equipment such as hydraulic cylinders, decelerators etc. In addition, life cycle impact assessment was assessed about human health and ecosystem destruction impact categories by applying an end-point methodology. The results of this study can be used as basic data for evaluating the environmental and economic efficiency of remanufactured construction equipment parts.

Joint optimization of the selective maintenance and repairperson assignment problem when using new and remanufactured spare parts

This paper deals with the problem of the selective maintenance (SM) optimization for a series-parallel system. The system performs several missions with breaks between consecutive missions. To improve the system reliability during the next mission, its components are maintained during the breaks. Current models in the SM literature usually assume that when a component is subjected to a replacement, it is done by a new one. This paper introduces a novel variant of the selective maintenance problem (SMP) where a mixture of new and reconditioned/remanufactured parts are used to carry out replacements. It has indeed been proved that remanufacturing processes can extend the life of a product returned from the field. This provides not only economic opportunities but also favours sustainable practices. Accordingly, a novel mixed integer nonlinear programming model of the SMP is developed and optimally solved. Numerical experiments show how using reconditioned spare parts impacts the SM decisions.

Paving the way for sustainable remanufacturing in Southeast Asia: An analysis of auto parts markets

The consumption of products, including automobiles, has been increasing rapidly in Asian developing and transition (D&T) countries, and appropriate diffusion of remanufacturing in the region is necessary to achieve sustainable consumption and production. This paper presents analyses of consumer perceptions of remanufactured auto parts (RAPs) in three Southeast Asian D&T countries: Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The authors conducted internet questionnaire surveys, targeting 500 respondents in each country, and examined consumers' knowledge of RAPs, perceptions of the benefits and risks, and consumers' purchase intentions of RAPs. Our study reveals that consumers' knowledge and perceived benefits of RAPs positively affect consumers' purchase intentions of RAPs in all three countries, but the influence of the perceived risks is not found. The cross-comparison of the perceptions in the countries reveals that knowledge of RAPs and the perceived benefits and risks are relatively high in Vietnam compared to those in Malaysia and Thailand. This study analyzes if consumers have a higher preference for certified RAPs than uncertified ones. A higher level of quality assurance in a country is critical for product diffusion in the market. The study clarifies that the purchasing decisions are also influenced by the country-of-origin (COO) of RAPs. Drawing on our study results, we suggest measures to promote markets for remanufactured products in D&T countries and provide policy options to accelerate the promotion of resource efficiency practices.

Reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain

PurposeAs the last link of product remanufacturing, reassembly process is of great importance in increasing the utilization of remanufactured parts as well as decreasing the production cost for remanufacturing enterprises. It is a common problem that a large amount of remanufactured part/reused part which past the dimension standard have been scrapped, which have increased the production cost of remanufacturing enterprises to a large extent. With the aim to improve the utilization of remanufacturing parts with qualified quality attributes but exceed dimension, the purpose of this paper is to put forward a reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain.Design/methodology/approachTo begin with, a classification standard of reassembly parts is proposed. With the thinking of traditional ABC analysis, a classification management method of reassembly parts for remanufactured engine is proposed. Then, a homogeneous Markov Chain of reassembly process is built after grading the matching dimension of reassembly parts with different variety. And the reassembly parts selection model is constructed based on the Markov Chain. Besides, the reassembly classification selection model and its flow chart are proposed by combining the researches above. Finally, the assembly process of remanufactured crankshaft is adopted as a representative example for illustrating the feasibility and the effectiveness of the method proposed.FindingsThe reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain is an effective method in improving the utilization of remanufacturing parts/reused parts. The average utilization of remanufactured crankcase has increased from 35.7 to 80.1 per cent and the average utilization of reused crankcase has increased from 4.2 to 14 per cent as shown in the representative example.Originality/valueThe reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain is of great importance in enhancing the economic benefit for remanufacturing enterprises by improving the utilization of remanufactured parts/reused parts.

RLS-based quality control method for reassembly under uncertainty

The uncertainty recognition, quantification, and optimization of reassembly (remanufacturing assembly) are crucial to improve the precision, quality, and stability of the assembly of remanufactured products. In this paper, we summarize the uncertainties based on the analysis of reassembly features. An uncertainty measure model using information-entropy theory is then established. This model characterizes the uncertainty of remanufactured parts, reused parts, and reassembly quantitatively. An online quality prediction method for reassembly process is then proposed. The method can effectively estimate the quality of remanufactured products using recursive least squares algorithm, which combines real-time data with tremendous amount of history data from the reassembly process. This method can also maximize the use of tremendous amount of history data and improve the accuracy of reassembly by mathematical statistics and examples. Moreover, it can reduce the cost of rework and improve the quality of remanufactured products. Results show that the proposed method achieved good application results with high accuracy and computation efficiency.

Channel selection for automotive parts remanufacturer under government replacement-subsidy

This paper considered government replacement-subsidy policy to examine the channel selection of the automotive parts remanufacturer and we constructed two channel models in which the automotive parts remanufacturer may choose the supplier mode or competitor mode. Due to the relatively low acceptance of remanufactured automotive parts in developing countries such as China, we model the two scenarios with government offering replacement-subsidy to the remanufacturer to incentivise automotive parts remanufacturing activities. Then, we discuss the impacts of the replacement-subsidy policy on the strategy of channel selection by applying a game theory method. We find that the scope of the automotive parts remanufacturer's net cost is quite vital, which is decided by the government replacement price, subsidy and costs of the remanufacturer. The subsidy and replacement price to customers have an affirmative influence on the protection of the environment within a specific range. [Received 4 September 2017; Revised 22 May 2018; Accepted 22 June 2018]

Channel selection for automotive parts remanufacturer under government replacement-subsidy

This paper considered government replacement-subsidy policy to examine the channel selection of the automotive parts remanufacturer and we constructed two channel models in which the automotive parts remanufacturer may choose the supplier mode or competitor mode. Due to the relatively low acceptance of remanufactured automotive parts in developing countries such as China, we model the two scenarios with government offering replacement-subsidy to the remanufacturer to incentivise automotive parts remanufacturing activities. Then, we discuss the impacts of the replacement-subsidy policy on the strategy of channel selection by applying a game theory method. We find that the scope of the automotive parts remanufacturer's net cost is quite vital, which is decided by the government replacement price, subsidy and costs of the remanufacturer. The subsidy and replacement price to customers have an affirmative influence on the protection of the environment within a specific range. [Received 4 September 2017; Revised 22 May 2018; Accepted 22 June 2018]

Study on the Failure Mechanism of the Polymorphic Mixture for Remanufactured Machinery Parts

The polymorphic mixture failure mode for multiple heterogeneity of remanufactured (RM) machinery parts makes it difficult to assess their lifetime. The Weibull distribution failure model of RM parts (substrate, coating layer, bonding surface and sudden failure) is constructed with failure time statistics of the parts in service, the latter is used to characterize the failure patterns of RM parts. In view of the multiple heterogeneity of RM parts, the Kaplan–Meier type decoupling method is used to analyze four sets of failure statistics, and each state of the Weibull failure function of the above parts is solved. It reveals the in-service failure mechanism of polymorphic mixtures for multiple heterogeneity of RM machinery parts. The validity and feasibility of the model are verified by the case study. Research results provide the theoretical basis for the design and preparation of a RM alloy powder and the improvement of RM technology. Moreover, the method for lifetime prediction and failure time evaluation of RM parts is proposed and validated.

Research on data mining technology for the connotation and measurement of uncertainty for reassembly dimensions

The uncertainty of remanufactured parts is a key factor in the stability of remanufacturing systems. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify these uncertainties and measure them to improve the optimisation management level of remanufacturing production process. Contrasting the ideal dimensional accuracy, manufactured dimensional accuracy and remanufactured dimensional accuracy, we analyse the connotation of uncertainty for reassembly dimensions. We construct the uncertainty measurement model for reassembly dimensions to realise quantitative measurement by entropy. So the coupling mechanism of uncertainty for reassembly dimensions is studied and the corollary is in conformity with the reality. It can use data mining technology to optimise remanufacturing process management. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the model are verified in grading selection of remanufacturing enterprise parts. This research provides support for the uncertain optimisation decision for lean remanufacturing from both theoretical and practical aspects by uncertain data mining techniques.

Remanufactured auto parts market in Japan: Historical review and factors affecting green purchasing behavior

This study investigates consumers' perception and their green purchasing behavior relating to remanufactured auto parts (RAPs) in Japan, where RAPs market remains relatively undeveloped. It also reports factors affecting green purchasing behavior in the US, where RAPs enjoy a long history and continuing success. This study uses an internet survey of 500 Japanese and 473 US respondents to examine how underlying factors, such as consumer knowledge of RAPs, perceptions of benefits and risk, and price consciousness, influence the behavioral intentions of consumers. The results indicate that purchase intention is strongly influenced by these underlying factors in two different markets. This study also provides a brief historical review of the growth of the Japanese RAPs market. In the review, stakeholders' influences on consumers’ perception of RAPs are highlighted. The implications of the results and review on effective measures to promote RAPs in Japan and in an economy where markets for remanufactured products are in their early stage of development are discussed.