Demontage

Demontage, or disassembly, is the process of taking apart a product, machine, or structure into its individual components. It is performed to salvage usable parts, repair or refurbish equipment, upgrade systems, or prepare materials for recycling. Demontage is common in manufacturing facilities, electronics recycling, automotive dismantling, construction deconstruction, and the decommissioning of industrial plants. The approach is influenced by the design of the object, with modular, fastener-based assemblies easier to dismantle than welded or glued joints.

Planning is essential: an assessment of the item, its material composition, and potential hazards. A bill of materials, documentation of serial numbers, and a deconstruction sequence help minimize damage to reusable parts and control waste streams. Safe isolation of energy sources, protection of personnel, and proper handling of hazardous substances such as batteries, asbestos, oils, or refrigerants are required.

Disassembly uses a combination of hand tools, power tools, torque settings, and sometimes lifting equipment. Workers separate components by material streams (metal, plastic, electronics, wood, glass) and categorize reusable parts, salvageable modules, and waste. Efficient demontage relies on design for disassembly, clear labeling, and sometimes reverse logistics to return components to suppliers or recycling streams.

Regulatory and environmental considerations include compliance with waste management, WEEE directives in electronics, and local safety standards. Proper documentation supports traceability and circular economy goals by enabling reuse, remanufacturing, material recovery, and reduced landfill.