Simulation-supported verification of methods for controlling disassembly lines

Abstract

In order to follow the principles of sustainability disassembly of end-of-life products is necessary for the re-use of their parts and sub-assemblies. In contrast to production control of assembly systems, disassembly lines feature some peculiarities: used components can be proven to be non-detachable or even missing, so that with increasing disassembling progress the desired components can no longer be gained, and there is a threat that the stations and workers assigned to them would remain idle. This paper describes a procedure for controlling division of labor-based lines, which follow the flow principle and are tailored to the specific features of disassembly control. It aims at maximizing the disassembly proceeds and the utilization of the disassembly stations, but it also considers the uniformity of their utilization. Thereby future disassembly lines can be operated in a way that efficiently counters the increasing volume of end-of-life products to be disassembled. The effectiveness of the procedure is verified by means of a simulation-supported application study.