REWORK – To rework something is the carry out work on a product which may or may not be functioning properly, but which has an identified problem and the work corrects that problem. There may be one or multiple units, all with exactly the same defect and which require exactly the same work to correct the problem.

REPAIR – when you repair something, you are fixing something that is faulty. It did work at some stage but something has happened to it to cause it to become faulty. This could be caused by an outside influence, or it may be that an internal part has stopped functioning correctly due to whatever reason. Repair is the work carried out to correct that problem(s).

REFURBISHMENT – The refurbishment of a product is to carry a planned replacement of parts on a product at a particular point in time on the bathtub curve of the product, usually at around 75% into the curve to increase the life of the product by up to double. “At a general level the bathtub curve provides a graphical representation of the expected life-cycle of the product.

The Process:

  • The process is typically product specific, but at a general level the process involves 6 stages:
    1. Understanding and documenting the fault.
    2. Documenting the corrective actions to correct and fix the fault(s).
    3. Inspection of the failing unit for any non-fault related defects.
    4. Implementation of the ‘Fix’ – whether its for rework, repair or refurbishment.
    5. Inspection and/or test to confirm the ‘Fix’ has been successful.
    6. Documenting and signing off the unit is now functional.

How Is It Done:

  • How it is done is also product specific, but for electronic equipment at a general it may include the following:
    1. Identify the faulty component on the printed circuit board.
    2. De-soldering and removal of the component from the printed circuit board.
    3. Cleaning of the area and pads the faulty component was removed from.
    4. Taking the new functioning component and placing it down on the location where the faulty component was removed from.
    5. Inspect and/or X-Ray and/test to confirm the component replacement has been successful.