Definition
Remanufacturing describes an industrial process in which a used product is completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt with new wear parts. The result meets at least the specification of the new part and is sold with a warranty.
In the automotive sector this mainly concerns steering gears, power steering pumps, starters, alternators, turbochargers, brake calipers, clutches, injection components and transmissions.
The process in six steps
Core sourcing: used original parts are collected, identified and sorted by part number.
Disassembly: the part is completely taken apart, every component is recorded.
Cleaning: housings and components are cleaned, stripped or blasted.
Inspection: every component is measured and checked against specification; wear parts are always replaced.
Assembly: rebuilt to factory specification with new bearings, seals, brushes or regulators.
Final test: function test on the test bench, marking, warranty.
Remanufacturing, repair, used part
| Remanufacturing | Repair | Used part | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | complete disassembly, all wear parts new | only the fault is fixed | no work done |
| Quality | new-part specification, warranty | depends on the workshop | unknown, remaining life uncertain |
| Price | typically 60 to 80 percent of the new part | variable | low |
| Source | industrial remanufacturer | workshop | dismantler |
Why remanufacturing is growing
A remanufactured part keeps most of the material and energy spent in its original production. Housings, shafts and castings do not have to be made again. That lowers cost and emissions and keeps spare parts available for older vehicles.
The limit to growth is the supply of suitable cores. Without used parts there is no exchange part. That is exactly where core brokers work: they source, identify and supply the cores remanufacturers need.
Frequently asked questions
Is remanufacturing the same as refurbishing?
No. Refurbishing usually means reconditioning without complete disassembly, for example in electronics. Remanufacturing disassembles completely and always replaces wear parts.
Do remanufactured parts come with a warranty?
Yes. Industrial remanufacturers give a warranty on exchange parts that matches or comes close to that on new parts.
What is remanufacturing called in German?
Wiederaufarbeitung or Wiederinstandsetzung. In the trade the English term remanufacturing is common in German too; the product is called Austauschteil or AT-Teil.