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42 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2022 Rework and Reclaim • Rework systems 1. Reworking boards in need of repair, or that need to perform a new function, helps to reduce the number of PCBs disposed of and the number needing to be ordered. 2. Reclaiming the placed parts (including SMDs, BGAs, QFPs, and LEDs) on existing boards limits the number of new parts that must be sourced. Previously placed parts can be cleaned of residual solder aer salvage and then re-balled with either tin-lead solder, or lead-free solder to be reused on new boards. Printed circuit boards oen contain valu- able and difficult-to-source electronic compo- nents. You can avoid letting any of these parts go to waste by having control over inventory, reworking existing parts and boards, and by keeping critical components safe from mois- ture. e result will be fewer parts needing to be sourced, combatting unnecessary drains on the already-parched system. Replace the SMT Parts You Can't Get by Converting to THT Parts In cases where preservation and reclamation of SMT parts are not enough to keep produc- tion going, some manufacturers have begun converting to through-hole parts over sur- face mount technology as a short-term solu- tion. Equipment suppliers are now seeing an uptick in orders of through-hole equip- ment, especially for lead-forming and solder- ing equipment. Here's why it may be a good idea to look back in time to look forward in manufacturing. By repurposing existing parts to function as through-hole technology, manufacturers can combat the current crisis—not letting the part shortage halt production. e top pieces of equipment needed for this part conversion (which are being purchased at a rate not seen in over a decade) include: • Wave soldering machines: With either single or dual waves, wave soldering machines permit automated lead-free or tin-lead processing of through-hole and surface-mount boards. • Selective soldering machines: Selective soldering is a precise, low-price-point, benchtop alternative to hand soldering; in this time of labor shortage, selective soldering machines reduce the number of workers needed by doing the work of four to six people doing hand soldering.