“Remanufacturing is an industrial process in which worn out products are restored to like new condition. Through a series of industrial processes in a factory environment, a discarded product is completely disassembled. Usable parts are cleaned, refurbished, and put into inventory. Then the new product is reassembled from both old and, where necessary, new parts to produce a unit fully equivalent – and sometimes superior – in performance and expected lifetime to the original new product.” *
There remains quite a bit of confusion around compressor remanufacturing today. One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that compressors are remanufactured compressors using all brand new parts. The fact is that OEM and independent remanufacturers alike use a combination of new and recycled parts. The industry standard accepted practice is that all worn or wearing parts are automatically replaced with brand new parts. These include bearings, piston rings, suction and discharge valve reeds, wrist pins snap rings, name plate. Major components are cleaned and inspected, these include pistons, crankshaft, rods, valve plates etc.. Any part that cannot be brought back to within specification is then discarded and replaced with a new part. This is the very reason why most remanufactured compressors are sold on an exchange basis. To replace all components in a compressor with brand new parts would drive the cost up over the cost of a brand new compressor. It is just not financially feasible.
OEM marketing campaigns claims that only they have the capability to remanufacture, ALL independents are rebuilding compressors. Only they know their brand, unless it comes from them directly it is considered an inferior product. The fact is that the OEM’s started using independents to supplement their remanufacturing capabilities in the early 1990’s and continue to do so today. Furthermore, the independent remanufacturers are not necessarily exclusive to one Brand but may instead be engaged in producing and selling several different brands. This also removes the misconception that only the OEMs know how to remanufacture their brand.
The majority of remanufacturers today subscribe to a set of standards set forth by the International Compressor Remanufacturers Association (ICRA). Unlike the rebuild shops that were more common in the early 70’s, the quality found today has really improved.
As a member of the ICRA, G&S remains dedicated to perpetually raising the bar on product quality and safeguarding the integrity of our industry.
References:
* Haynsworth, PhD, H.C., and R. Tim Lyons, CFPIM. "Remanufacturing By Design, The Missing Link."Production and Inventory Management Journal Second Quarter 1987 (1987): 24-29. Print.
