REFUSE- Resource efficient use and development of reconfigurable machining systems

Important results from the project

We actively worked towards the project´s five objectives and fulfilled all of them. The work resulted in formulated requirements, working methods and identified enablers and barriers for circular and reconfigurable production systems. We mapped economic factors and developed support for financial justification. Furthermore, methods were developed from requirements to concepts, virtual models and a demonstrator as well as a model for collaboration between companies and system suppliers.

Expected long term effects

-Reduced time-to-market for new product models through rapid reconfiguration and reuse of existing resources and equipment. -Increase utilization of production system capacity by reusing these across product models and generations. -Increase the economic and technical lifespan of production systems through continuous reconfiguration. -Increased use and reuse through reconfigurable production systems. -New knowledge and changed mindset towards circularity.

Approach and implementation

The project run according to plan and the objectives were addressed in 6 work packages that were run partly sequentially with some overlap. 12 project meetings were held where all parties participated to present and discuss results. Monthly meetings were carried out with each industrial party together with the research group to follow up on the work at each company. One researcher ended his position, which affected the outcome in one work package somewhat. The collaboration worked very well.