Definition Rework vs. Repair - What's the practical difference?

Anerol C

Trusted Information Resource
I'm not sure if this is a dumb question, but :eek:
What's the practical difference between rework and repair? Are they different in a manufacturing enviroment.
Thanks
AC
 

Randy

Super Moderator
Re: What's the practical difference between rework and repair?

Practical?

Rework....do some touch up painting or polishing

Repair...it's broke or it doesn't work correctly...fix it

There is more to it but this is as simple and practical as it gets.
 

harry

Trusted Information Resource
Re: What's the practical difference between rework and repair?

I'm not sure if this is a dumb question, but :eek:
What's the practical difference between rework and repair? Are they different in a manufacturing enviroment.
Thanks
AC

Does it matter??

My view - before it gets into the purchaser's hand, it is rework (however major). After it is sold and starts operating/used it is repair (however minor).
 

Ajit Basrur

Leader
Admin
Re: What's the practical difference between rework and repair?

I'm not sure if this is a dumb question, but :eek:
What's the practical difference between rework and repair? Are they different in a manufacturing enviroment.
Thanks
AC

Anerol,

There could be a possibility of 3 terms viz. Modification, Rework and Repair and Randy has explained correctly. Just to add on, go through these definitions for better clarity -

Modification

The revision of the functional capability of a product in order to satisfy new acceptance criteria.

Modifications are usually required to incorporate design changes which can be controlled by drawings, change orders, etc. Modifications should only be performed when specifically authorized and described in detail on controlled documentation.

Rework

The act of reprocessing non-complying articles, through the use of original or equivalent processing, in a manner that assures full compliance of the article with applicable drawings or specifications.

Repair

The act of restoring the functional capability of a defective article in a manner that precludes compliance of the article with applicable drawings or specifications.

Repairs are generally changes to an unacceptable end product to make it acceptable in accordance with original functional requirements.
 

CarolX

Trusted Information Resource
Re: What's the practical difference between rework and repair?

Does it matter??

My view - before it gets into the purchaser's hand, it is rework (however major). After it is sold and starts operating/used it is repair (however minor).

harry,

In some industries - it does matter.

Rework - fix the part to meet specification.

Repair - fix the part so it is usable, but does not meet specification.
 
D

domingue

Re: What's the practical difference between rework and repair?

harry,

In some industries - it does matter.

Rework - fix the part to meet specification.

Repair - fix the part so it is usable, but does not meet specification.

I would define it that way as well. Another key difference for us is that repair requires customer approval whereas rework generally does not.
 

harry

Trusted Information Resource
Re: What's the practical difference between rework and repair?

harry,

In some industries - it does matter.

Rework - fix the part to meet specification.

Repair - fix the part so it is usable, but does not meet specification.

Sorry, I think I need to clarify.

Rework is 'Work done to correct defects' - and that is irrespective of how minor or major the defect is and whatever term you choose to describe it does not matter. And all these are before the product is passed on to the customer.

Repairs only come in after the product had been used.
 
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CarolX

Trusted Information Resource
Re: What's the practical difference between rework and repair?

Just a clarification.

Rework is 'Work done to correct defects' - and that is irrespective of how minor or major the defect is and whatever term you choose to describe it does not matter. And all these are before the product is passed on to the customer.

Repairs only come in after the product had been used.

Not neccessarily - and as Dominiques stated - repair usually requires customer approval.

Here is an example

You have a part that requires a .250" +-.005" diameter hole.

1) the hole measures .125". You rework the part by drilling the hole to .250". This is rework.

2) the hole measures .270". You fille the hole, and redrill to .250". This is repair.
 

Helmut Jilling

Auditor / Consultant
Re: What's the practical difference between rework and repair?

Sorry, I think I need to clarify.

Rework is 'Work done to correct defects' - and that is irrespective of how minor or major the defect is and whatever term you choose to describe it does not matter. And all these are before the product is passed on to the customer.

Repairs only come in after the product had been used.


That is not the commonly accepted use of the terms in ISO.

Rework returns the product to the same condition as regularly produced first run product.

Repair makes the product usable, but not as good a condition as regular product. It usually would require agreement by the customer.

These definitions come from the automotive side, but ISO 9001 generally adopts the same usage.
 

GStough

Leader
Super Moderator
Re: What's the practical difference between rework and repair?

Not neccessarily - and as Dominiques stated - repair usually requires customer approval.

Here is an example

You have a part that requires a .250" +-.005" diameter hole.

1) the hole measures .125". You rework the part by drilling the hole to .250". This is rework.

2) the hole measures .270". You fille the hole, and redrill to .250". This is repair.

This also depends on the kind of product.

For example, in a sewing factory where surgical textiles (or any other garment/product) are produced, if an inspector finds a product with a sewing defect that can be repaired, it can be returned to the sewing operator for repair. In this scenario, the product is still in the manufacturing process and has not reached the customer or end user yet.
 
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