Computer-aided design assessment of products for end of life separation and material handling

A methodology is presented for the estimation of recyclability indicators of product designs. It combines an automated CAD-integrated disassembly sequence generation algorithm and a recyclability assessment module. The algorithm employs collision detection and CAD feature recognition for the extraction of disassembly tiers and sequences of specific components. This information together with the components' characteristics, including materials, is then processed by the corresponding module, which is capable of providing an initial evaluation about the product's recyclability. The methodology is demonstrated through an industrial case study, involving rear axle designs that are associated to different truck models.