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

Anerol C

Trusted Information Resource
#1
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
 
Elsmar Forum Sponsor

Randy

Super Moderator
#2
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

Super Moderator
#3
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

Staff member
Admin
#4
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

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#5
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

#6
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

Super Moderator
#7
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.
 
Last edited:

CarolX

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#8
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
#9
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

Staff member
Super Moderator
#10
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.
 
Last edited:
Thread starter Similar threads Forum Replies Date
B Soldering Training (specific to Rework and Repair of PCBs) - Long Island Training - Internal, External, Online and Distance Learning 5
Q Dispositions In Claims and Complaints - "Use as is, Repair, Rework, etc" ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 2
Q Use As Is, Repair, Rework - Useful when categorizing? ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 5
Q ISO 9001 Clause 8.3: Scrap, Rework, Repair, Why? ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 5
J Definition Servicing circuit boards - Differences between Rework and Repair Definitions, Acronyms, Abbreviations and Interpretations Listed Alphabetically 9
B Overhaul vs. Repair vs. Rework - FAA Definitions Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Standards and Requirements 7
T Definition Rework vs. Repair in ISO/AS9100 Definitions, Acronyms, Abbreviations and Interpretations Listed Alphabetically 8
A Definition Rework vs. Repair - ISO 13485 definition Definitions, Acronyms, Abbreviations and Interpretations Listed Alphabetically 11
C Parts Rework / Repair SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) needed Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 6
B Generic procedure for repair / refurbishing / rework modifications to PCB components Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 3
J Rework or Recall 21 CFR Part 820 - US FDA Quality System Regulations (QSR) 10
T ISO 13485 8.3 - Non-Conforming Materials - on-line rework or part of process? ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 11
G Rework, Reprocess, or Correction - A simple blurred letter on the legible etching ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 4
A AS9102 Delta FAI Require after Rework stock item from stock AS9100, IAQG, NADCAP and Aerospace related Standards and Requirements 1
N Generic Rework/Reprocessing Procedure Pharmaceuticals (21 CFR Part 210, 21 CFR Part 211 and related Regulations) 1
L I need an example rework procedure/instruction for injected plastic parts Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 2
M IATF 16949 Cl. 8.7.1.4 - Risk analysis for decision making about rework IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 2
T Is Sorting a kind of Rework? IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 3
M IATF 16949 Clause 8.3 - Rework Records Requirements IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 1
G Severity in Process FMEA for Rework Process FMEA and Control Plans 1
M What is the value of documenting in-process rework for easily-detectable issues? Quality Manager and Management Related Issues 4
G Rework requirement in ISO 13485 ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 5
R How to document the Risk Management on Rework activities ? ISO 14971 - Medical Device Risk Management 6
S Regulatory Approval(s) for Rework Dispositions Nonconformance and Corrective Action 2
B Definition Sort vs. Rework - Differences and Definitions Definitions, Acronyms, Abbreviations and Interpretations Listed Alphabetically 9
B Form to use for Rework including Verification of Effectiveness of the Rework Inspection, Prints (Drawings), Testing, Sampling and Related Topics 2
S How to establish a Sampling Plan from the Rework percentage? AQL - Acceptable Quality Level 6
A Nonconformances and Rework in a Machine Shop Nonconformance and Corrective Action 6
X Help with ISO 13485 Clause 8.3 "Rework" as applicable to Medical Device Servicing ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 39
D Rework Authorization Form example Manufacturing and Related Processes 5
R Medical Device Circuit Board Component Changes - Is this rework or not? ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 8
M Rework Devices placed on the market - IEC 60601-1 Requirements 3rd edition IEC 60601 - Medical Electrical Equipment Safety Standards Series 7
D Lean Management applied to Rework Zones Lean in Manufacturing and Service Industries 8
Q Documenting the Review of Adverse Effects from Rework ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 4
Q ISO 9001 Clause 8.3 Rework Verification - Re-verification to demonstrate conformity ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 6
P Requirements for Approval of Rework Work Instructions ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 6
M Can sorted returns be returned to stock. Do they need a rework label? ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 3
A Is Rework "Inspecting Quality In"? 21 CFR Part 820 - US FDA Quality System Regulations (QSR) 7
G Numbers that will help us understand what the Cost of Rework is Misc. Quality Assurance and Business Systems Related Topics 7
B Define "Rework" Under Medical Device Standards ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 10
P Rework Notification - Is it sufficient to show how we control rework process Manufacturing and Related Processes 1
T Rework Traceability System Manufacturing and Related Processes 8
A Scrap vs. Rework Classification - Scraping the resistor or reworking the PCB board? Quality Tools, Improvement and Analysis 10
L Quality Objectives Ideas - Currently we have Scrap & rework, OTD, survey results, etc Manufacturing and Related Processes 50
M Identifying Rework in Maintenance or Craftsman Operations Lean in Manufacturing and Service Industries 12
C How to document rework being completed at Suppliers on Medical Devices? ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 3
Z Rework Reduction Six Sigma Project - Need help Six Sigma 5
E Medical Device Software - Control of Nonconforming Product and Rework ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 4
C Calculate DPPM/PPM for second yield rework Quality Tools, Improvement and Analysis 1
E Calculating the MTBF for an assembly, Failure and Rework Prediction Reliability Analysis - Predictions, Testing and Standards 6

Similar threads

Top Bottom