What Is a BGA Rework Station?

A BGA  rework station — also called SMT and SMD rework stations — is a workspace system technicians can use to alter printed circuit boards with ball grid array (BGA) packaging and surface-mounted devices. These rework stations can also alter circuit boards with column grid array packaging, chip scale packages, quad flat packages, land grid arrays and other surface-mounted devices.

BGA rework stations have features that dictate the size of the circuit board that can be worked on and capabilities that determine the types and volume of jobs that can be done. Some BGA rework stations have a split-vision assist camera, while others do not. BGA rework stations that do not have the split-vision functionality are best for entry-level jobs, while rework stations with this function allow for more complex work. Some stations have automated functions, while others do not.

A BGA rework station allows technicians to do several different things, including refinishing, rework and repair. These rework stations empower technicians to remove defective parts, reinstall incorrectly placed parts, replace any missing parts and remove parts that are no longer working. BGA rework stations can be placed on a flat surface, or technicians can use BGA rework stations that come mounted on a cabinet with wheels.

Many short-run or low-volume production operations also use BGA rework stations. Depending on the task and the system, they may offer partial automation capabilities, with or without the use of a connected PC.

All machines come fully self contained with their own internal air and vacuum unless otherwise specified.