ARTES - Automated Remanufacturing Towards Environmental Sustainability

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Remanufacturing is a key resource-efficiency enabler towards UK Net-Zero, saving 9MtCO2e/year by 2050\. It can retain component value, extend functional lifetime, prevent waste and reduce new material inputs. But the process falters at the first barrier -- component disassembly. Seized fasteners result in scrap of potentially remanufactured components at rates of up to 30% and current removal methods cannot meet the speed and accuracy demanded by remanufacturers. Mechanical drilling out of seized fasteners is crude and uneconomical due to the high probability of critical damage and extensive post-processing required, even when automated.By reimagining the electro-discharge machining (EDM) process, ARTES will provide an entirely new method of fastener removal that minimises scrap whilst increasing productivity. Unlike drilling, the damage rates using electro-discharge drilling are extremely low, because the process is contact free and performed at room temperature.Scintam has developed a breakthrough hand-held EDM fastener-removal tool. ARTES builds on this technology, combining Scintam's established technology with machine automation to deliver disruptive new capability that enables widespread adoption of environmentally impactful remanufacturing. This new technology allows unattended remanufacturing of components, swiftly, repeatably, and safely, with minimal setup time.The primary target for ARTES is Tier-1 automotive remanufacturers; initially, remanufacturing will focus on mechanical parts most frequently found on today's automotive passenger vehicles. Significant boost in applicability to high-value components is expected as electric vehicle (EV) remanufacturing matures (battery packs, high-power electric motors, heat pumps).At projected sales volumes, ARTES potentially provides automotive-industry savings of £84Mn and reduction of 197,000 tons-CO2e emissions by 2028 through preventing raw material waste and the need for new material input. Increasing remanufacturing in-lieu of continued over-reliance on long-range global supply chains will consolidate sustainability gains and increase the UK's resilience to rising global supply-chain disruptions and volatility.