A method for dealing with multi-objective optimization problem of disassembly processes

Disassembly of manufactured goods induces both disassembly costs and revenues from the parts saved by the process. Thus, a good trade-off has to be found that depends, both on the depth of the disassembly, and on the sequence of operations. This optimization problem depends upon the structure of the disassembly system: if it is made of a single workstation, the costs depend mainly upon the process duration. If the system is a line, the costs depend mainly upon the line balancing, all the more if it is highly manual. In this paper the authors consider the line structure and propose an algorithm which will allow to find a disassembly sequence that optimizes a very simple function integrating the income from the parts, the material produced by the process and the cycle time of the disassembly line. An example is given to illustrate the proposed algorithm.