DISASSEMBLY EXERCISE
Students dismantle obsolete computer keyboards (or telephones or like-size objects),
preferably of different makes and dates (such as IBM and Apple).
Instructor brings to class:
1. Keyboards (or other objects), 1 for 2 or 3 students if large class
2. Simple tools (screwdrivers, plyers and cutter), 1 set per team
3. A magnet (to differentiate between iron and other metals)
4. A scale (to weigh objects and parts)
Activities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Weigh the object.
Consider ergonomicity (curved shapes to prevent injuries during use).
Dismantle the objects as far as possible.
Weigh plastics and metals. Weigh recyclables and disposables separately.
Consider the following aspects during disassembly:
MATERIALS:
a. Variety of materials (How many different plastics and metals?)
b. Quantity of materials (More than strictly necessary?)
c. Hazardous materials (Lead solder?)
d. Recyclability of each part (Each part down to a single material? Glue holding labels?)
e. Disposal of non-recyclable parts (Energy recovery? Safe to landfill?)
f. Toxicity of landilled materials (heavy metals?)
DESIGN:
a. Modularity (Are there modules? And, are they easily accessed?)
b. Serviceability (Are repairs possible to prolong life?)
c. Refurbishing potential (Can refurbishing be done to re-sell on second-use market?)
d. Multi-functionality (Are there parts cleverly used for multi purposes, such as cover
and structural stiffness? Single screw or snap holding more than 2 components?)
e. Ease of disassembly (Energy & time required? Need for special tools? Complexity?)
f. Ease of identification and sorting (Are plastics labeled with international codes?)
Post-disassembly discussion and brainstorming:
1. Fraction of plastics and metals. Could have been done without certain metals or
plastics?
2. Fraction of recyclables versus non-recyclables? Is most of it recyclable?
3. List environmentally friendly aspects. Compare between the various models.
4. List problems encountered:

Excessive use of materials,

Excessive variety of materials,

Presence of adhesive labels,

Lack of labeling of plastics,

Lack of modularity,

Disassembly requiring excessive number of steps,

Disassembly requiring special tools,

Disassembly demanding irreversible breaking and preventing serviceability,

Hard-to-reach module.
5. Brainstorm about improvements (to overcome the preceding problems).