What Does It Mean When a Product Is Remanufactured?
When a product becomes worn down or stops working, some industrial users opt to scrap it and buy a new one. But with the right parts, tools, and a little bit of technical know-how, most products can be restored to full functionality. This is a process known as “product recovery,” and it comes in many forms, including refurbishing, rebuilding, and remanufacturing.
They may sound similar, and their literal definitions aren’t all that far off from one another, but there are distinct differences between a product that has been remanufactured and a product that has been rebuilt or refurbished.
To learn more, look at what remanufacturing is.
Remanufactured Products: What Does “Remanufactured” Mean?
Remanufacturing is the process of restoring the function of an old, used, or worn-out product through repaired, reused, or brand-new parts. With remanufacturing, you can take things like electronic equipment, engines, aircraft components, industrial equipment, and auto parts that are old, worn down, or even non-functional and return them to a condition that meets the manufacturer’s factory standards.
So, what’s the distinction between remanufacturing and other forms of product recovery? How exactly does the process of remanufacturing work? Read on to find out!
Remanufactured vs. Refurbished
Refurbishing happens when a defective product that has been lightly used or never used is returned and then subsequently restored by the manufacturer or a third-party company that specializes in refurbishing. Oftentimes, the defect is either a cosmetic one or a simple issue that doesn’t require the replacement or rebuilding of any of the product’s components.
The difference between refurbished and remanufactured items is that a remanufactured product is restored to like-new quality not only in its appearance, but in its performance, and parts are almost always rebuilt or replaced.
Remanufactured vs. Rebuilt
A rebuilt product is recovered by inspecting, cleaning, and replacing all parts that are worn or broken. Provided that the parts that are not worn or broken fit into the acceptable wear limits laid out by the manufacturer, they will not be replaced, and therefore, the components in the product will have different levels of wear.
Whether a product is rebuilt or remanufactured, its functionality will be restored. However, remanufacturing is a more comprehensive process in which each component of the product is returned to manufacturer standards.
Remanufactured vs. Reconditioned
Reconditioning is the product recovery process that is the most similar to remanufacturing. Both involve the replacement of damaged or worn components, but the big difference is that in remanufacturing, the process is meticulous enough to return the product to the manufacturer’s original specifications, which maintains the warranty. Reconditioned products, on the other hand, cannot use the product’s original warranty.
Benefits of Remanufactured Products or Parts
Here are some of the major reasons that opting to use remanufactured products or parts can be beneficial to you and to the environment:
- Extending a product or part’s life
- Minimizing waste
- Reducing strain on the environment
- Cost-effective
- Maintaining your product or part’s warranty
The math is simple: Remanufactured parts or products are frequently cheaper than new ones. They reduce your carbon footprint, and they won’t lose their warranty, so you have peace of mind should anything go wrong with the restored equipment. Choosing remanufactured parts should be a no-brainer.
Remanufacturing is also a much faster option than purchasing new. Basically, remanufacturing an API 610 pump gets the customer new pump quality and warranty in 1/4 of the lead time. This can translate into months of increased production and profit for the end-user.
If you’re in need of industrial remanufacturing solutions, contact a DXP engineer to see how we can help!
How Does the Remanufactured Pump Process Work?
To get a better understanding of how the remanufacturing process works, let’s look at how remanufacturing companies restore the function of an industrial pump.
Disassembly
The disassembly process in remanufacturing involves more than simply taking the product apart. As a pump is disassembled, an inventory of items is carefully made and the need for new components is identified. The pump is then dismantled and thoroughly cleaned using a number of different processes, with extreme care taken to keep all components in working order.
Inspection
The fully disassembled and cleaned pump is then inspected to assess the condition of all of its components, as well as the size and concentricity of critical dimensions. This information is then documented in an inspection report.
Engineering Review
An engineering review is performed using the results of the disassembly inspection report, along with other collected information, to determine the order specifications for the remanufacturing process.
Assembly
Once the requirements for remanufacturing have been determined and the necessary components have been acquired, it’s time to assemble the remanufactured pump. Critical dimensions are checked before, during, and after the assembly process and recorded in an inspection report.
Performance Testing
The remanufactured pump must then be tested to ensure performance. This can include a full hydraulic and mechanical performance test, a mechanical run test — and depending on specifications — a net positive suction head test. Test standards are generally derived from the Standards of the Hydraulic Institute and the API 610 Standard.
Get Quality Industrial Pumps Faster with Remanufacturing by DXP
DXP offers industrial pump remanufacturing through our subsidiary, PumpWorks.
If you’re interested in saving money by having your industrial pump remanufactured, DXP can help!
Contact us online today to find out more from a DXP engineer!