Disassembly sequencing: a survey

This paper is a survey of the presently available literature on disassembly sequencing, including the papers that are closely related to this topic. Disassembly theory is applied to complex products such as mechanical, electromechanical and electronic appliances. It is required for end-of-life processing and for maintenance and repair. Apart from these applications, disassembly is studied for supporting the analysis of assembly processes. Disassembly sequencing involves the search for all possible disassembly sequences and the selection of the optimum solution out of these. In each application, a slightly different approach can be observed, including level of detail, degrees of freedom, and the role of uncertainty. Disassembly sequencing also plays a major role in the modern design process and is an invaluable tool in concurrent engineering. Its connection with the more detailed or component level and the less detailed level or process level including logistics, is highlighted. This presentation of the state of the art is intended as a stimulus for further research in this interesting field.