Design for disassembly and recyclability: A concurrent engineering approach

In this research, we show an integrated concurrent design methodology which is environmentally conscious for the manufacturing sector. By interactively examining various phases in manufacturing processes, materials used, waste generated and product quantity specified, we could then predict the amount of waste (recyclable or nonrecyclable) that will be generated, the kinds of toxic materials, the approximate energy consumed and the approximate recycling cost required. Accompanied by other information such as yield, the designer or decisionmaker can then go back and check if their product design or process selection is suitable and least harmful to the environment.