Revamping is an old technique that gained a unique momentum in the 21st century and the circular economy idea. Revamping as a concept is close to recycling or reusing materials and objects, but they are all working towards the same goal of sustainability.
When thinking about recycling or reuse, the mind of most of us goes to objects from our daily lives. Those concepts could refer to a plain bottle or a can of soda, or use your computer for a more extended period. However, there are so many innovations emerging every year, due to the level of digitalization and technology levels in factories. As a result, machines become obsolete, unavoidably, at a breakneck pace. In many cases, it’s worth revamping those machines rather than retiring.
What is Revamping?
Essentially, revamping is pushing machinery to its usage limits. Nearly all kinds of machines that have been extensively used still have a residual value. If you throw those machines away, you don’t take full advantage of them, and thus there is a waste of resources. Those machines may become technologically obsolete, but their functional parts can still be used further.
On many occasions, with minor or more extensive scale modifications, or upgrades, old machines can continue to function as intended. Usually, it is not as efficient as the newer engines, but efficient enough to continue its intended work uninterrupted and cheaper.
To give a straightforward example, we use personal computers and laptops in our daily lives. Technology advancements in this area are rapid, and in just a matter of a few years, those machines soon become obsolete. What we can do in this instance is to make an upgrade or upgrades so that our computer can keep up with this technology and the new hardware requirements.
Revamping VS Buying a new machine
As mentioned earlier, revamping a machine could be a simple process like fitting a screen or a more complex one. Usually, a revamping job is done based on three factors:
- To increase efficiency through components like an engine.
- To increase security and safety (frequently required by law)
- To install improved software or make a machine programmable.
Generally, revamping is nearly always cheaper than buying a new machine as we are saving on the still functional and needed components that you are paying for in a new one. However, considering the cost, it’s advisable to see if a new machine is more efficient in energy consumption. In that case, investing in a new machine or revamping your existing one to make it more efficient is probably the way to go.
Besides, revamping a machine contributes to sustainability through concepts of the circular economy. The maximization of the machines’ lifecycle reduces waste production and energy needed for the production, transportation, and the market of new machines or products.