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62 SMT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2025 Overview Electronic component salvaging is the practice of recovering high-value devices from PCBs taken from obsolete or superseded electronic products. These components can be reused in new assem- blies, reducing dependence on newly purchased parts that may be costly or subject to long lead times. By reusing harvested parts, manufacturers also bypass the energy-intensive process of semi- conductor fabrication, making salvaging a more sustainable alternative. This is especially valuable for complex semiconductor devices that require significant resources. Nonetheless, proper handling, inspection, and testing are essential to confirm that salvaged components remain reliable for reuse. Best Practices for Electronic Component Salvaging Potential risks include physical damage, electro- static discharge (ESD) sensitivity, moisture sensitiv- ity level (MSL), and prior environmental exposure. Pre-baking Baking PCB assemblies before component removal is critical in preventing moisture-related damage. Over time, moisture can become trapped in sensitive devices, and if it vaporizes during desoldering or reflow, it can cause internal cracking, delamination, or the phenomenon known as "popcorning." Pre-baking drives out this moisture, preserving the functional integrity of components and ensuring compliance with IPC-J-STD-033 moisture mitigation standards. K N O C K I N G D OW N T H E B O N E P I L E by Nash B ell, BEST, Inc. ▼ F i g u re 1 : A h ot a i r syste m d e l i ve rs a d i re cte d st re a m of h e ate d a i r to ra i s e b ot h t h e c o m p o n e nt a n d t h e s u r ro u n d i n g P C B to s o l d e r ref l ow te m p e rat u re.