Our appetite for electronic goods, especially cell phones and computers, is so voracious, we are now threatening to deplete valuable resources and generate huge amounts of toxic materials at the same time. Recycling of electronic goods, when it happens, is difficult, potentially hazardous and immensely labour intensive.
Active Disassembly's alternative manufacturing technique uses shape memory and smart polymer components for connectors and fasteners so that individual components can be disassembled in seconds. These shape memory parts hold their shape until a set temperature is applied to pop them apart, releasing components without much handling.
Designing electronics for the environment makes sense if you use a modular approach so that the components can be easily built and just as easily disassembled for maintenance or recycling at the end of the product's life.
Designing to be Green
Eco Tech Disassembly
Trend Themes
1. Modular Electronics - Designing electronics with a modular approach allows for easy disassembly for maintenance and recycling at the end of the product's life.
2. Active Disassembly - Active Disassembly's alternative manufacturing technique utilizing shape memory and smart polymer components allows for quick and easy disassembly of individual components.
3. Eco-friendly Manufacturing - Manufacturing electronics with eco-friendly techniques, such as Active Disassembly, can help to reduce waste and the depletion of valuable resources.
Industry Implications
1. Electronics Industry - The electronics industry can benefit from designing modular electronics and utilizing eco-friendly manufacturing techniques to reduce waste and efficiently recycle components.
2. Recycling Industry - The recycling industry can benefit from the use of modular electronics and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, which can result in easier and safer recycling of electronic components.
3. Manufacturing Industry - The manufacturing industry can benefit from incorporating eco-friendly manufacturing techniques and utilizing active disassembly to save on labour and materials for recycling while improving product quality and adherence to environmental standards.