Designing for disassembly (DfD) refers to the practice of designing products or systems in a way that makes it easy to take them apart at the end of their useful life or for maintenance purposes. DfD is an important aspect of sustainable lighting and circular design. This design approach aids the recovery and recycling of materials and components, as well as reduces waste and the environmental impact of products.

Designing for disassembly involves a number of considerations, including the selection of materials and fasteners that can be easily disassembled without damage, the use of standard parts that can be easily replaced, and the elimination of adhesives or other materials that make disassembly difficult. In addition, designing for disassembly requires careful planning and testing to ensure that the disassembly process is safe and efficient.

The goal of designing for disassembly is to create products that can be easily disassembled and recycled, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserving natural resources. This approach is particularly important in industries such as electronics, automotive, and construction, where products can be complex and difficult to disassemble.

Do you know of lighting manufacturers that are actively practicing DfD? If so, please share in the comment section below.

Image: iD Lights

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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