## 4 Discussion
However, the additive manufacturing process can be slightly adapted to accommodate these metal alloys, thereby broadening the scope of components eligible for circular-economy-driven remanufacturing. The adoption of additive manufacturing techniques with metal alloys significantly enhances the range of hydraulic drive system components that can be feasibly remanufactured. The improved mechanical and physical characteristics of these alloys make them particularly suitable for remanufacturing applications, offering enhanced performance and durability. The integration of metallic alloys into the remanufacturing process using additive manufacturing and reverse engineering brings forth various challenges that demand careful consideration and innovation for effective solutions. Challenges such as material compatibility, printability, post-processing, cost considerations, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and material recycling are anticipated. Addressing these challenges includes carefully selecting alloys that closely match the properties of the original components, optimizing printing parameters, integrating necessary post-processing steps, efficient material sourcing, implementing quality assurance measures, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing recycling processes for metallic materials. By navigating these challenges and staying abreast of advancements in additive manufacturing and metallurgy, the successful integration of metallic alloys in the remanufacturing process is achievable, offering more durable, high-performance components that align with sustainability goals in hydraulic drive systems. The scalability of remanufacturing through additive manufacturing and reverse engineering is highly dynamic and influenced by technological advancements in the field. Advancements in additive manufacturing technology, materials, and precision, along with multi-material printing capabilities, are poised to significantly enhance scalability. The rapid improvements in printing speed and efficiency, expanded material options, and increased precision in reverse engineering are all set to improve the scalability of remanufacturing operations. Moreover, standardization, certification, and potential cost reductions are expected to further encourage the widespread adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices as these technological advancements continue to evolve. This article delineates an innovative framework for remanufacturing hydraulic drive system components, rooted in circular economy principles and sustainability through the integration of advanced additive manufacturing and reverse engineering techniques. This application-specific focus on remanufacturing hydraulic flowmeter components marks a notable deviation from the broader spectrum covered in the research reflected by the reference section. The references extensively explore various facets of additive manufacturing, encompassing materials (references [2; 4; 11; 19]), processes (references [1; 6; 8; 25]), and applications across diverse fields such as dentistry, biomaterials, robotics, and mechanical design. Additionally, the references elucidate the multifaceted aspects of reverse engineering, including its methodologies (references [14; 15; 16; 17]) applied in different sectors like mechanical design, dentistry, and material science. The novelty in the article lies in the detailed account of applying these advanced technologies specifically to the remanufacturing of hydraulic flowmeter components. It highlights a meticulous examination of the remanufacturing process, outlining the integration of additive manufacturing technology and 3D scanning to restore a damaged flowmeter, which is not presented in the scientific literature. The article underscores a commitment to repurposing non-defective components, fostering a closed-loop system to minimize waste generation and reduce the environmental impact associated with hydraulic system maintenance.