Project

The research project ReLIFE aims at increasing resource efficiency by extending the life cycle of capital goods. Therefore, the approach of Adaptive Remanufacturing is developed within the project. This describes an adaptive maintenance strategy that determines the optimal time and scope of maintenance measures based on sensor technology evaluations under technical, economic and ecological aspects. The innovative character of Adaptive Remanufacturing lies in the temporal and content-related adaptivity of the process. Based on the sensor-monitored wear condition of components, preventive remanufacturing measures are proposed that are tailored to the respective situation. The performance of the capital goods thus ensured forms the basis for innovative business models to ensure long-term productivity.

The research project is being carried out in seven work packages. Remanufacturing approaches are developed on the basis of methodological and theoretical principles. In parallel, guidelines for product design with a focus on the integration of digital sensor technologies will be developed and implemented in a demonstrator. Based on these guidelines, an evaluation model will be designed and implemented in a software application to support decision-making regarding the optimal use of remanufacturing measures. Simultaneously, remanufacturing-based business models will be developed. The results obtained will be validated in their entirety.
The results will be jointly developed by the Machine Tool Laboratory (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University as consortium leader of the project, the Chair of International Production Engineering and Management (IPEM) of the University of Siegen and Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH & Co. KG as industrial partner.

Contact:
Jonas Dackweiler M.Sc. RWTH
Phone: +49 151 43170588
j.dackweiler@wzl.rwth-aachen.de

Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University
Production Engineering Cluster
Campus-Boulevard 30
Germany-52074 Aachen