15th INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, İstanbul, Türkiye, 18 - 19 Nisan 2026, ss.1-15, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
This study systematically examines the
integration of remanufacturing principles into machine design processes within
the framework of sustainable production approaches. Increasing environmental
concerns, rapid depletion of natural resources, and intensified global
competition necessitate a transition from traditional linear production models
to sustainable systems based on the circular economy. In this context,
remanufacturing emerges as a key strategy, defined as the process of restoring
used products to a like new functional condition while providing a comparable
warranty. Compared to conventional manufacturing, remanufacturing offers both
economic benefits and reduced environmental impact, making it an increasingly
important yet still underexplored area in global industries. The study focuses
on design approaches that aim to minimize energy consumption and waste
generation throughout the product life cycle. Since the suitability of a
product for remanufacturing largely depends on decisions made during the early
stages of the design process, the strong interdependence between product design
and remanufacturing is emphasized. Accordingly, a design framework is proposed,
based on key components such as modularity, appropriate material selection, the
use of standard fastening elements, and component traceability. These elements
enhance the ease of disassembly, repairability, and reuse potential of
products, thereby extending their service life. Furthermore, Life Cycle
Analysis (LCA) is utilized to quantitatively evaluate environmental impacts,
while Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is considered to assess the economic
performance over the product’s entire lifespan, including acquisition,
operation, maintenance, and end-of-life stages. The findings indicate that design
for remanufacturing significantly reduces carbon footprint and lowers overall
lifecycle costs. In conclusion, integrating remanufacturing principles into
machine design plays a crucial role in sustainable engineering practices,
offering both environmental and economic advantages and providing a strong
foundation for future production systems.