Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 02:40:41 -0400
Reply-To: David Beierl <synergx@IBM.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Beierl <synergx@IBM.NET>
Subject: Re: remanufactured parts and alternators
In-Reply-To: <199907140415.AAA25530@mail.enter.net>
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At 00:14 7/14/99 -0400, Karl F. Bloss wrote:
>remanufactured Bosch. In the process of talking with the owner, he
>told me that "remanufactured" and "rebuilt" are NOT the same. Check
>out:
><http://www.a1-alternator.com/terms.html>
...in which A-1 says that "remanufactured" denotes a lesser operation than
"rebuilt." This struck me as odd, so I wandered around the web a
bit. Interesting citations below. A-1 are the only people I could find
who make this distinction in this direction. Most automotive outfits,
including Ford Motor Company, say the precise opposite. The Automotive
Parts Rebuilders Association, through its lawyers, points out that the Code
of Federal Regulations treats "rebuilt" and "remanufactured" as synonyms,
at least with regard to auto parts, and sets the identical standard for
each ( relevant section of CFR cited below). This standard, incidentally,
conforms to the lesser type of service quoted by A-1 as
"remanufactured." Interestingly, they (the FTC) also forbid the use of the
term "factory rebuilt" unless the rebuild was done in a factory that
rebuilds things. Nothing to do with the original factory. (!).
In general, industrial firms treat "rebuild" as a subset of "remanufacture"
-- the machine is rebuilt to make it as good as new, then it may or may not
be remanufactured to add features, bring it up to current standards
etc. More citations below.
I have to conclude that A-1 are either a little confused about ordinary
practice, or are doing a quick shuffle based on the (identical) legal
definition of the terms, though I don't see why they would do this.
If you don't want to read the citations, you should stop now. They go on
for awhile. Rough order is Auto firms, Auto trade association, 16CFR20.3,
industrial firms. Each is a URL followed by relevant quote or quotes from
the page. There is however one very interesting one from a Corvette page,
interesting because it directly examines alternators remanufactured by
Bosch and compares them with the same alternators remanufactured by
AC-Delco, the original mfr of these Corvette alternators.
YMMV
david
ps -- Matthew, I really *don't* have time to do this; I'm just a little
cuckoo... :)
>http://www.corvette.net/hib/remanpts.htm
>Out of ignorance, many people apply the words "rebuilt" and
>"remanufactured" interchangeably. However, they describe significantly
>different procedures.
>
>When something is rebuilt; the unit is disassembled. Its components are
>cleaned, examined and parts that are inoperative or worn past a specific
>point are replaced. Then, the
>piece of equipment is reassembled and put back in service.
>
>An important characteristic of remanufacturing is that it’s done on an
>assembly line with many aspects of the process and some of the quality
>control testing being automated.
>This precludes previously-grouped parts being reassembled together.
>Obviously, remanufacturing is a more comprehensive process. Units are
>disassembled to their most basic
>parts. Everything is cleaned and inspected. Some pieces are tested and
>reworked. In certain cases, parts are improved via engineering upgrades.
>Non-wearing parts maybe
>reused but anything that wears is replaced with new or refinished pieces.
>Finally, the device is reassembled. The result is, essentially, a
>"zero-time" part.
>
>Almost anything in a Corvette, even the whole car, can be "rebuilt."
>However, remanufacturing is only done to certain subsystems that lend
>themselves to the process. While
>some rebuilt parts can be as good as remanufactured pieces, in the
>price-competitive, consumer mass markets; reman parts are often a better value.
>
>Two of the most familiar "reman" parts are alternators and starters. We
>thought it would be interesting to take a look at examples of these items
>from two distinct sources: an
>original equipment manufacturer, in this case, GM’s ACDelco brand, and an
>aftermarket giant, Robert Bosch Corporation.
http://www.engineexchange.com/our_quality.htm
>Power Pro Automotive Engines are precision remanufactured -- not rebuilt
>-- with a warranty that matches our high quality. Every engine we sell
>meets the criteria of the original equipment manufacture at a cost that
>offers you substantial savings. And we back our engines with a
>written warranty on cars and light trucks. (See details about our
http://www.ford.com/customerservice/genuine/versus.html
>When you buy a rebuilt part, you're buying a
> part that has had the broken component repaired so it'll work
> again. However, too often nothing else may have been done to
> measure its quality. So despite the fact that it works, the
> quality
> can often be questionable. Another component could fail at any
> time.
>
> With a Ford Authorized Remanufactured(FAR) Product, on the
> other hand, the part has been completely dismantled and each
> component thoroughly cleaned and inspected. All the
> components have been reconditioned, remachined and replaced,
> as necessary. And many components have been replaced
> automatically. Then the part is reassembled and tested for
> performance.
>
> Remanufactured parts are virtually as good as new, but cost less
> than new parts. Rebuilt or remanufactured? It's a value
> judgement only you can make.
>
>
>
> Ford Quality Renewal (F.Q.R.) products consist
> primarily of engine and transmission assemblies
> including torque converters, clutch discs and
> pressure plates for late-model vehicles. F.Q.R.
> products are "renewed" to meet or exceed original equipment
> specifications. In fact, they're so exacting that F.Q.R. products
> are specified for many warranty and Ford Extended Service
> Plan repairs.
http://www.aera.org/Library/diesel_standards_of_service.htm
>3.6 Rebuilt engine and its synonym remanufactured engine ¾ describes an
>engine which has been:
>
> (a) Dismantled, cleaned, inspected, i.e. crack tested,
> pressure tested or visually inspected, whichever is applicable or appropriate.
>
> (b) The components have been inspected and critical surfaces
> machined when necessary to achieve the proper dimensions and finishes
> per acceptable industry standards.
>
> (c) New replacement parts, as defined in this Standard, have
> been installed as required; and
>
> (d) The engine has been assembled with all critical areas fit
> to proper clearances or interference and manufacturers' specified
> fastener-tightening procedures.
>
>3.7 Reconditioned component
>
> A component which has been found to be beyond acceptable industry
> standards, but which is rendered suitable for normal service by acceptable
> machining techniques.
>
>3.8a. Replacement components
>
> Replacement components are defined as items that are acquired
> from manufacturers or suppliers who can demonstrate fitness for purpose and who
> can support their products with written warranty.
>
> b. Replacement parts defined as those parts not designed for
> re-use such as gaskets, bearings, piston rings, soft plugs, o-rings and seals.
>
>3.9 Shall ¾ indicates that a statement is mandatory.
>
>3.10 Should ¾ indicate a recommendation.
>http://www.ftc.gov/opp/jointvent/madeusa/ftp/usa/030.txt
>Law Offices
>Conlon, Frantz, Phelan, Knapp & Pires
>Suite 700
>1818 N Street, N.W.
>Washington, D.C. 20036
>(202) 331-7050
>e-mail: Cfpkp@aol.com
>
>
> January 24, 1996
>
>
> HAND DELIVERED
>
>Office of the Secretary
>Federal Trade Commission
>Room 159
>Sixth and Pennsylvania Avenues, NW
>Washington, D.C. 20580
>
> Re: Made in USA Policy Comments
> FTC File No. P894219
>
>Dear Sir:
>
> This firm represents the Automotive Parts Rebuilders
>Association (APRA), the trade association for those companies which
>rebuild or remanufacture non-functioning motor vehicle parts and
>equipment for resale and reuse. It also represents the firms which
>provide used parts, called cores, to rebuilders and the
>manufacturers which supply new parts, machinery and equipment to
>them. APRA has over 2000 members throughout the United States,
>Canada and the world, with the overwhelming majority in the United
>States.
>
> Rebuilding/Remanufacturing{1}
>
><gigantic snip>
>
>Footnotes:
>
>{1} In the vehicle parts aftermarket, these two words describe the
>same process. Products bearing either of these designations must
>undergo the reconditioning process described in the FTC guides for
>used and reconditioned parts. See 20 CFR Part 20.
Well, it's actually 16 CFR Part 20.3, but who's counting?
>[Code of Federal Regulations]
>[Title 16, Volume 1, Parts 0 to 999]
>[Revised as of January 1, 1999]
> From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
>[CITE: 16CFR20.3]
>
>[Page 135-136]
>
> TITLE 16--COMMERCIAL PRACTICES
>
> CHAPTER I--FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
>
>PART 20--GUIDES FOR THE REBUILT, RECONDITIONED AND OTHER USED AUTOMOBILE
>PARTS INDUSTRY--Table of Contents
>
>Sec. 20.3 Misrepresentation as to condition of products and misuse of the
>terms ``rebuilt,'' ``factory rebuilt,'' ``remanufactured,'' etc.
>
> (a) It is an unfair trade practice to use, or cause or promote the
>use of, any statement or representation in advertising, on containers,
>on industry products, or elsewhere, which has the capacity and tendency
>or effect of misleading or deceiving purchasers or prospective
>purchasers as to the condition of an industry product, or the extent
>that an industry product has been repaired or reconstructed.
> (b) It is an unfair trade practice to use the words ``Rebuilt,''
>``Remanufactured,'' or words of similar import, as descriptive of an
>industry product which, since it was last subjected to any use, has not
>been dismantled and reconstructed as necessary, all of its internal and
>external parts cleaned and made free from rust and corrosion, all
>impaired, defective or substantially worn parts restored to a sound
>condition or replaced with new, rebuilt \1\ or unimpaired used parts,
>all missing parts replaced with new, rebuilt \1\ or
>
>[[Page 136]]
>
>unimpaired used parts, and such rewinding or machining and other
>operations performed as are necessary to put the industry product in
>sound working condition.
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> \1\ In accord with the provisions of this paragraph (b).
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> (c) It is an unfair trade practice to represent an industry product
>as ``Factory Rebuilt'' unless the product was rebuilt as described in
>paragraph (b) of this section at a factory generally engaged in the
>rebuilding of such products. (See also Sec. 20.2) [Guide 3]
>
>
http://www.impomag.com/1197fr1.htm
>To those who ask whether a new VTC wouldn't have more new
> technology and performance capabilities than a rebuilt machine,
> Seaver has a two-fold answer: "To begin with, I don't consider these
> two machines as 'rebuilt,'" he says. "With all the new technology and
> features that we added, both vertical turning centers have been
> entirely remanufactured."
>
> By remanufacturing, Seaver means that Giddings & Lewis
> technicians upgraded both existing machines into state-of-the-art
> technology with more capability than either turning center had in its
> original form.
http://www.romacsupply.com/
>In a recent edition of Waste Wi$e Update
>the United States Environmental Protection
>Agency (EPA) declared that remanufactured
>products are "good as new". According to
>the EPA "...remanufacturing restores
>durable products to serve their original
>function by replacing worn or damage
> parts." Recycling, on the other hand uses
http://www.alvey.com/reman.htm
>machines can also be done in your own facility. And,
>while it is not possible to do a complete remanufacture
>in your facility, we can rebuild most machines on site,
>including the replacement of all wear components and
>any damaged components and assemblies.
> Standard Remanufacture Process
> Alvey/Non Alvey Equipment
>
> 1.Machine will be completely disassembled, including the
> removal of all mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and
> hydraulic components.
> 2.The frame and associated components will be pressure
> washed and sandblasted to remove all existing paint and
> contaminants.
> 3.Structural modifications and/or repairs will be made
> to the
> core if required for the frame integrity and/or to improve
> the cosmetics of the machine.
> 4.The frame and appropriate components will be painted
> with a high quality two part acrylic urethane paint for a
> long lasting durable finish.
> 5.All mechanical sub assemblies (case turner, compactors,
> pushers, apron, brakes, etc.) will be completely
> disassembled and remanufactured or replaced.
> 6.Electric motors and gear reducers will be will be
> rebuilt or
> replaced with new.
> 7.All chains will be replaced with new chain.
> 8.Sprockets with more than 10% wear will be replaced.
> Taper-lock type sprockets will be used wherever possible.
>
> 9.All bearings will be replaced with new.
> 10.All rollers will be inspected and replaced.
> 11.All hydraulic components
> (motors, pumps, cylinders,
> valves, manifolds, etc.) will
> be rebuilt or replaced with
> new.
> 12.All hydraulic hoses will be
> replaced. Steel hydraulic
> lines will be replaced, where
> possible, with flexible hoses.
> 13.All pneumatic equipment will be cleaned, inspected,
> checked for leaks and proper function. All pneumatic
> valves will be replaced and will be banked in an
> accessible
> location where possible.
> 14.All flexible air lines and pneumatic fittings will be
> replaced
> with new.
> 15.All hardware (bolts, nuts, washers, roll pins, etc.)
> removed as part of the disassembly of the machine will be
> replaced with new.
>Process to include,
> but not limited to
> the following:
>
> All new wiring and
> rigid conduit.
> Machine will be
> rewired utilizing
> direct I / O for ease
> of trouble shooting
> and increased
> reliability.
> All new Allen Bradley "Quick-disconnect" photo eyes,
> proxy switches, and limit switches. For improved
> reliability, whenever possible all limit switches and
> other
> "contact" sensors will be converted to non-contacting
> sensors such as proximity switches or photoeyes.
>
> The main control enclosure back-panel will be completely
> stripped and rebuilt, including the following:
> One new Allen Bradley SLC 5/03. Processors
> upgrades are available.
> New Allen Bradley din rail.
> New Allen Bradley terminal strips.
> New Buss fuses.
> New Allen Bradley control relays.
> Starters will be cleaned and reused or replaced.
> All miscellaneous components will be cleaned and
> reused or replaced with new. Wherever possible
> Allen Bradley components will be supplied.
> Includes a TCP (Total Control Products) Jr.
> Monochrome Touchscreen operator interface which
> includes manual controls, pattern data selections, and
> diagnostics for easier trouble shooting
> One new program and three (3) patterns pre-programmed.
> Additional patterns will be priced if necessary.
> Machine will be brought up to current safety standards, to
> include, but not limited to safety eyes on top of the
> machine and in the hoist area, any guarding to reasonably
> prevent exposure to hazards and manual lockouts for
> electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic functions.
> Machine will be test run in house for the customer
> prior to
> shipment.
> All completely remanufactured machines are supported
> by Alvey's standard One Year Warranty.
http://www.qualitymag.com/articles/feb99/0299f4.html
>Rebuilds: A more in-depth upgrade option is the rebuild. "Rebuilding is a
> complete evaluation of the current CMM and reworking or replacing all
> worn items and updating all of the old electronics," said Campbell.
> "It may
> or may not include new software, and the work can be performed
> on-site or
> at a rebuilder’s facility.
>
> Remanufactures: The most expensive, and least common, upgrade option is
> remanufacturing: a complete disassembly and rework of all major
> components at the CMM manufacturer’s facility. "To remanufacture an
> existing piece of equipment is to replace original equipment
> components with
> new, improved components to further improve the CMM over the original
> design," said Sampson.
David Beierl - dbeierl@ibm.net
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