reworkable

Reworkable is an adjective used to describe items, components, or processes that can undergo rework—modification, repair, or alteration after initial production or testing. In quality management, rework refers to corrective actions that bring a nonconforming product back into conformance rather than discarding it. A reworkable item is one for which such corrective action is feasible within cost, time, and safety constraints.

In manufacturing and assembly, reworkable parts may be repaired on the production line or in a dedicated repair area, with the aim of restoring function without full scrap. Reworkability depends on design choices, material properties, accessibility for adjustment or replacement, and the ability to control processes during the correction. When rework is feasible, it can reduce waste and lower material costs, but it can also increase labor, cycle time, and the potential for repeated defects if root causes are not addressed.

Design considerations for reworkability are linked to broader concepts such as design for manufacturability and design for repairability. Engineers may favor modular architectures, standardized fasteners, easier access to critical components, and processes that allow safe disassembly or component replacement to improve rework outcomes.

In electronics and software, reworkability describes how easily issues can be diagnosed and corrected. Printed circuit boards with accessible joints and robust soldering practices are more reworkable, while maintainable, well-documented code is easier to refactor. Organizations monitor rework rates and associated costs to guide process improvements and reduce nonconforming work.

See also: rework, scrap, design for manufacturability, repairability, tolerances.