1.0 What is Design for Disassembly?
Disassembly is the process in which a product is separated into its components and/or subassemblies by nondestructive or semi-destructive operations. (Lambert, Gupta)
On the other hand, Design for Disassembly (DFD) is the design of products to facilitate future change and the eventual dismantlement (in part or whole) of the product at the end of their life-cycle. It is a design process that allows for the easy recovery of products, parts and materials when a product is disassembled to maximize economic value and minimize environmental impacts. This can be done through reuse, repair, remanufacture and recycling of the product or its parts. DFD also enables the removal of product parts without damage.
DFD has become a growing phenomenon within manufacturing industries as greater attention is devoted to the management of the end-of-life of products to facilitate its disposal or reuse. The effort is driven by the increasing wastes of large amounts of consumer goods, and the resulting pollution and the loss of materials and energy that these products contain.
(http://www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/greenbuilding/construction-recycling/disassembly.asp)
http://www.co-design.co.uk/design.htm: Tracy Dowie-Bhamra
The designer is now confronted with the matter of creating products that have parts or components that are easy to take apart, so that the product components can be recycled or reused conveniently. This feature also lends itself to easier maintenance. Such products have five common features: (Lindbeck, 1995)
1. They are designed so that all components can be easily separated, handled, and cleaned to permit economical recycling.
2. They include two-way snap fits, or have break points on the snap fits, which s ...