What is the Difference Between Rebuilt, Remanufactured, and Reconditioned

Being a suppllier a of Rebuilt, Reconditioned and Remanufactured equipment I offer you my definition of each:

REBUILT - This is the lowest form of repair. REBUILT items are minimally repaired so they can be put pack in service quickly and cheaply

RECONDITIONED - THis is the next level of repair. RECONDITIONED items are completely disassembled, all components are inspected and may be re-used if they are within factory specified operating tolerances.

REMANUFACTURED - This is the next best thing to new. REMANUFACTURED items are completely disassembled, all components are inspected and may be re-used if they are within new tolerances (new tolerance is a tougher standard than operating tolerance). Additionally REMANUFACTURED items come with an owners manual and a warranty that is same as new.

Ray Miller

President

Energy Link

Bakersfield, CA

Hi Ray,

What is the difference: "refurbished" and "retrofited"?

Regards,

Walter

Usually, remanufactured is supposed to mean that the item is fully disassembled, and then reassembled with each part checked to see that it meets standards for a new device. So everything that is worn is replaced. Perhaps somewhere, something is actually remanufactured on the same line as a new device, but usually, I doubt that this happens. But implicit is the idea that it is a manufacturing operation, with people doing the same job repetitively and consistently.

Rebuilt can mean that all the worn parts are replaced, but usually means that anything that is within "wear limits" is not necessarily replaced. (So for a rebuilt engine, if the pistons are in good shape, perhaps only the rings get replaced.) A competently rebuilt aircraft engine will often run for its full TBO (time between overhauls) before requiring another rebuild... but some will not. There are many more "judgement calls" in a rebuild than in a reman.

Reconditioned usually means something a little less rigorous than a full rebuild, but I think it is the most nebulous term. For many products, "reconditioned" products are those that have been returned for some repairable problem. The problem is repaired, the cosmetics are freshened up, and the unit is sold as reconditioned.

I agree with you Ken.

That is the same understanding I have of the def's at least.

I general I think these term have different meanings with different types of equipment

In the past, in the electrical world, this whole business had always be questionable. There is an organization called PEARL ( Professional Electrical Apparatus league) that has made an attempt at defining some of these terms and legitimizing the business. They do have specifications and recommended testing for various types of equipment. They have a website - google it.

I deal with one particular organization that is a member and follows these procedure on the equipment they sell. I like that fact that they give me a test report with every piece of equipment. The testing procedures are industry accepted, and better than what you get on a piece of new equipment.

Check it out

Replies #1 and #2 said it all! That is, in a perfect world. Let me give you my take on this. Call it whatever you want, but, the most obvious things you will see are three. The first is a new paint job. The second is fresh oil (assuming that it has oil). The third is the warranty. Not all things, but some things are processed like this. First, check it out to see if it works. If it works fine, go to step two. Clean it up and re-paint it. Now, flush it out and change the oil. Re-package it with a warranty and other docs. Now what do you think of that? Don't have to do much work unless it fails for the customer. Interesting? Here's my point. Know who you are dealing with and what you are buying. There are way too many independent companies remanufacturing items just the way I outlined. Hope this also helps you.

Actually, the meaning depends on the speaker. We may be giving our definitions but I suspect that many will have their own.

For me, for example, recondition means just to remove rust, polish it up, replace nothing. Rebuild means to dissassemble it and replace all worn parts (or parts that are out of tolerance), and recondition. Remanufacture takes it a step further and involves machining. Then you rebuild and recondition.

Others may have their own versions. It may help to talk to your suppliers about what they mean when they say these terms. In fact, I'd recommend it.

If you're in the classic or vintage car world you might regards 'remanufactured' as a part that was once unobtainable now being manufactured by a specialist again. Chances are the old source doesn't exist and possibly drawings unobtainable. The component would typically be 'reverse engineered' from an original using established practice for clearances/interferences where the dimensions of a used part cannot be reliably ascertained.

Fortunately vintage machinery is generally tolerant of fit!

From an electrical safety point of view - many forms of "remanufacturing" and "rebuilding" void the product safety certification that was originally granted with the product. This is an important topic in the testing business right now, and also of great interest to OSHA. There have been reports of electrical equipment intended for explosive atmospheres that has been rebuilt, but after (the remanufacture, rebuild, restore) process it no longer meets the requirements for safety and represents a potential hazard.

If the original manufacturer is in charge of this, often times the system can be sent out again with the proper (verified) certification.

Even though it was a long time ago, I used to sell auto parts, so I am somewhat familiar with these terms.

Let me use a starter as an example.

REBUILT: Disassemle and clean all parts. Replace those parts that routinely wear out, usually the brushes, bushings, starter drive (sometmes called a bendix), and solenoid if it has one built in. Reassmble. This may be done by a local mechanic, but most often, the car owner does it himself.

RECONDITIONED: I don't remember seeing this used with auto parts, but I have seen it used for items that were returned under warranty, repaired and offered for sale again.

REMANUFACTURED: Diassemble, clean and inspect housing, nose cone and armature for possible reuse. Discard unusable parts. Reusable armatures are stripped to the bare shaft and built back up with new material. Reusable parts are grouped together, and prepared for reuse - cleaning, machining, and finishing as needed. The parts are grouped together, because a particular nose cone, for example, may be used on several different starters. "New" starters are then manufactured using the recycled parts and new brushes, bushings, starter drives, windings, and newly made replacements for unusable parts.

Hope this clears things up.

Gentlemen.

The meanings are:

1. Bill Clinton

2. Wizzard of Oz

ie.

Each meaning is what I choose it to mean...not what you think it means.

MR. GUY