The benefit of refurbishing and overhaul
Through use, devices will eventually wear out, resulting in them no longer meeting the specifications and requirements for which they were designed. Replacement is then the most obvious option. However, refurbishing or overhaul is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. Because although some parts are worn out, there are also parts of a device that show little to no wear and tear over time. They can still be easily reused and in many cases are still in new condition. BS&i Mechatronics offers the service of refurbishing or overhaul in addition to the assembly of devices. Because of our rich experience in assembly, we are able to perform refurbishing and overhauling under the same technical and organizational conditions as the assembly of devices. This guarantees that you will once again receive a high-quality device that fully meets your requirements, but at a much lower cost. We do this for a wide variety of devices from different markets and for single pieces and series.
Refurbishing versus overhaul
The words refurbishing and overhaul are often used interchangeably. Yet there is a clear difference between refurbishing and overhauling, especially in the context of mechatronic devices. While they both revolve around repair and reuse, they differ in purpose, depth and context. We explain this in more detail below.
Refurbishing
The purpose of refurbishing is to restore the device to a good working, marketable or deployable condition, often visually as well as functionally. This focuses on:
- Focused on usability and presentation.
- Parts are cleaned, tested and replaced as needed.
- Aesthetic aspects (such as housing) are often refreshed.
- Sometimes used with return devices or depreciated systems.
- May be less in-depth than revision, depending on the application.
- Often applied to consumer and IT products, but also in industrial contexts such as BS&i Mechatronics.
Revision
The purpose of overhaul is to technically restore to original or specified condition, with emphasis on reliability and life extension. Overhaul focuses on:
- Thorough disassembly and inspection of all components.
- Worn parts are systematically replaced or repaired.
- Focus on technical performance, safety and durability.
- Often necessary in regulated sectors such as the medical industry.
- Strict process documentation and quality control (e.g., according to ISO 13485).
In practice, the terms sometimes overlap. Customers often use the term refurbish when they mean overhaul. For BS&i Mechatronics this is not a problem because both processes take place within the same high-quality and controlled working environment. BS&i Mechatronics prefers to group both terms under the term refurbishing. In consultation with the client, it is agreed how far to bring the equipment into new condition.
A deep device recovery process
At BS&i Mechatronics, refurbishing and overhauling (mechatronic) equipment is a discipline in its own right. We combine our well-organized organization with our technical expertise and detailed process control to completely restore worn, defective or obsolete equipment and bring it back to like-new condition. In doing so, we treat every part – from mechanical to electronic components – with the highest care and precision. Our refurbishing activities are fully integrated into our existing quality organization. This means that we use the same methodologies, infrastructure and quality controls as when assembling (medical) devices. Read more about this method on our Assembly page.
Process approach
The complete process approach goes from diagnosis to final testing. Our refurbishing process consists of a series of meticulously executed steps:
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- Determining overall impression
- Answer whether the device is refurbishable or overhaulable on first impression.
- Verify that the device is complete.
- Check the unit for damage, discoloration, deformation, rust or wear.
- Identify labels, serial numbers and documentation for traceability.
- Note missing or abnormal parts (e.g., screws, cables, caps).
- Photograph the unit in original condition for reference.
- Disassembling the device
- Complete disassembly of all parts of the device.
- Sorting of all parts.
- If required/necessary, registration of all parts.
- Assess the disassembled parts
- Check sight parts for damage and repairability.
- Check mechanical parts for appearance, wear, function and reusability.
- Ditto for the electrical components.
- Assess wiring possibly with contacts and connectors for corrosion, burning, breakage, weathering and reusability.
- Check PCBs for combustion, repairs made, breakage, missing components, revision number, damage, functioning and reusability.
- Check sensors for damage and function.
- For optical and other components, the same applies as for sensors.
- Decide
- Which parts can be reused without repair, cleaning or replacement.
- What parts need to be repaired or cleaned.
- Which parts need to be replaced and thus scrapped.
- Cleaning, repairing and replacing
- Parts cleaning.
- Parts repair, restore and restore to new condition.
- Add new parts as replacements for discontinued parts.
- Assembling the device
- Assembly Preparation.
- Prepare stitches and other identifications.
- Assembly of the device according to the assembly instruction.
- Registration of serial numbers and other parameters.
- Apply stickers and identifications.
- Adjusting the device.
- Testing and packaging
- Perform safety testing (if required).
- Perform functional testing (if required).
- Testing adjustments and measuring signals (if necessary).
- Recording of tests and measurement data.
- Packing the device.
- Determining overall impression
Management and quality control
At BS&i Mechatronics, refurbishing activities fall under exactly the same technical and organizational conditions as the regular assembly of (medical) devices. Moreover, in consultation with the client, all refurbishing activities are supported by:
- Documented process steps in accordance with the ISO 13485 standard.
- Traceability of replaced or modified components.
- Test and measurement reports upon completion.
- Complete documentation of actions performed and test results.
Thus, we guarantee that each refurbished device is in like-new condition and meets the customer’s specifications, functional and aesthetic requirements.
Why BS&i Mechatronics?
We are not just a technical service provider – we are also a process-driven organization that focuses on high-quality service. The foundation is our in-depth experience assembling devices for a wide range of markets, including medical devices. This allows us to provide refurbished devices that meet the requirements of the original specifications. Moreover, responsible reuse is sustainable. By choosing refurbishing, you are consciously choosing to extend the life of your devices, use resources responsibly and save money.
Want to know more? Do you have a module or system that qualifies for refurbishing or overhaul? Contact us by phone 0492 830 126 or by email: contact@bseni.nl
