What Is PCB Rework?

Rework covers three kinds of work. Replacing a component that has failed or was fitted wrongly. Repairing a pad, trace or connector that has been damaged. And implementing a change to the board's circuit, such as a substituted part or an added link, that the board's owner has approved.

Boards are made of fine copper on thin laminate. Too much heat lifts pads, and a poor joint fails later. Good rework controls temperature and time, uses suitable materials, protects neighbouring parts and is inspected under magnification afterwards.

Sensitive devices can be damaged by electrostatic discharge during handling. Rework is done on grounded surfaces with anti-static controls, and boards are packed accordingly for transport.

After rework the affected section is checked for continuity and function, and the board is tested as a whole and run warm so marginal joints show themselves.

Rework depends on the board being accessible and the parts obtainable. Sinsal does not carry out BGA rework, and only modifications that the laboratory is equipped for and the owner approves are undertaken.