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Ersatzteilgewinnung (Harvesting)
In brief
Parts harvesting (also known as harvesting or parts harvesting) means the targeted removal of functional components from devices that are no longer worth repairing. The parts are tested, cleaned and reused in other devices. In IT retirement, it keeps valuable components in the cycle before the rest is recycled.
Which parts are recovered
| Component | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Memory, processors | Upgrades and repairs of the same model series |
| Power supplies, fans | Replacement of worn components |
| Displays, housing parts, keyboards | Fixing cosmetic and mechanical damage |
| Batteries | Only after checking the condition, observing transport regulations |
Data carriers from donor devices are securely erased before any reuse or, if that is not possible, destroyed.
Before a part is reinstalled, it is documented so that it can later be traced from which donor device it came and which test it passed.
Classification
Parts harvesting sits between repair and recycling. It is a form of reuse at component level and preserves more value than pure material recovery. Related is Remanufacturing, in which products are completely dismantled and rebuilt to like-new condition. At material level, Urban mining comes into play. What treasures are hidden in old hardware is shown in the article Hardware Finds from Tech Recycling and Remarketing.
From devices whose repair is no longer economical, Second IT harvests spare parts, tests and cleans them and uses them in future repairs. More on repair of IT hardware.
Frequently asked questions about parts harvesting
Are used spare parts reliable?
If they are tested and cleaned, yes. A functional test before installation is decisive.
What happens to the remaining parts?
They go to proper recycling. Pollutants are removed beforehand, raw materials recovered.
Is parts harvesting also worthwhile for older devices?
Often yes, because spare parts for older models are rarely available new. This extends the use of identical devices.
What is the difference between parts harvesting and remanufacturing?
With parts harvesting, individual functional components are removed from defective devices, tested and reused. With remanufacturing, by contrast, products are completely dismantled and rebuilt to like-new condition.
What happens to the data carriers in donor devices?
Data carriers from donor devices are securely erased before any reuse. If a data carrier cannot be erased, it is destroyed. It is also documented which donor device a part comes from and which test it passed.
Even defective devices have value: we bring it out.
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