Importance of PLM and Digital Thread to (Dis)Assemble Circular Products Automatically

The paper presents the vision of products that can be assembled automatically and with the same production line, be disassembled to foster the circular economy. Such a factory line enables e.g. in-line product repair and full disassembly for reuse of components or recycling. To reach this vision, product data handling throughout the whole lifecycle is a key requirement. The paper highlights the impact and influence of inaccurate engineering data, missing data in the production and usage phase, and inaccurate data for End-of-Life treatment. These data need to be maintained correctly, e.g. by applying a Digital Twin Framework or a product-individual Digital Thread, otherwise, automatic disassembly is not possible in high quality. Furthermore, the product needs to be thoroughly designed, not only according to design for assembly (DfA) but also according to design for disassembly (DfD). To gain know-how and experience, a dummy product has been established. It is used to foster the understanding of suitable joining technologies. In its first version, the focus lies on screw connections. Its modularity allows the demonstration of different (dis)assembly strategies and related economic impacts.