Using a cluster graph representation of products for application in the disassembly planning process

In this paper a method for product representation from the disassembly plan ning viewpoint is presented. The basis of this product representation techn ique is a product model referred to as the cluster graph. The details of th e products' structure are reflected directly in the cluster graph in such a fashion that by mapping component end-use options and disassembly costs al l potentially clusterable groups of parts within the product can be identif ied and analysed. Similarly by mapping facility requirements for product di sassembly to the cluster graph then all disassembly sequencing options can be clearly identified. The cluster graph is a 2-dimensional connected node based model of the product.