Technical Resources  /  JEDEC Trays

Once a tray has been identified, there is still a supply decision to make. Does the application require new trays, or can requalified reusable trays be considered? Malaster works across manufacturers, starting with the device, process, and customer requirements before comparing the available options.

What is a requalified reusable JEDEC tray?

A recovered tray has been collected after prior use. A cleaned tray has completed a cleaning process. Requalification goes further: the identified tray is evaluated against defined requirements and accepted for a specified use, with the decision documented. Cleaning alone does not establish device fit, flatness, electrical performance, or stacking condition.

When a supplier describes trays as requalified, ask what was checked, which acceptance criteria were used, and which records accompany the supplied lot. The word alone should not be treated as a promise that every possible application requirement has been verified. Malaster’s handbook chapter on reuse and requalification explains that distinction in detail.

Compare the same requirement on both sides

When new trays may be the appropriate choice

Start with new trays when the customer or application specification requires new trays, prior use is restricted, or the necessary evidence for accepting a reusable lot is unavailable. A recurring production requirement also deserves a supply discussion: the first quantity and later replenishment may need different planning.

New condition does not remove the need for approval. Confirm the complete tray identifier and revision, device support, stacking arrangement, material, and process requirements. An unused tray with the wrong cavity is still the wrong tray.

When requalified trays deserve a closer look

Requalified reusable trays may be worth reviewing when reuse is allowed, the required design is available, and the offered lot can be accepted against the application’s requirements. That may apply to a replacement need, a limited quantity, or ongoing use, but suitability and availability need to be confirmed for the specific request.

Look beyond the visible surface. Pocket supports, rails, corners, mating features, flatness, and readable identification can all affect whether a tray remains usable. Cleanliness and electrical checks should match the requirements of the intended use. The tray-inspection chapter provides the deeper engineering checklist.

Questions to settle before comparing quotes

• Is reuse permitted? Identify any customer, process, cleanliness, or documentation requirements that restrict the supply choice.
• What exactly is being offered? Record the manufacturer, full molded identifier, revision, material information, condition, and quantity. Resolve mixed or uncertain identification before approval.
• What does the acceptance cover? Ask which inspection or testing requirements were applied and what documentation is available for that lot.
• Will the trays enter a bake or heated process? Provide the temperature, duration, repeated cycles, and loaded-stack conditions. A temperature marking alone does not approve every process below that number.
• What is the complete quantity? Include the empty cover trays required for the planned stacks, plus any evaluation quantity your approval process calls for.
• What happens after the first order? Share expected repeat demand and the needed-by date so replenishment can be discussed.

Compare the total requirement, including covers

Unit price is only one part of the comparison. Match the quoted tray design, condition, documentation, quantity, and timing. If your process needs samples or additional acceptance work, account for that before treating two offers as equivalent.

For example, ten stacks containing ten loaded trays each require 100 loaded trays. If each stack uses one matching empty tray as its cover, the total becomes 110 trays. State that full requirement when requesting either new or requalified trays. The approved cover and securing arrangement still need to suit the application.

What to send Malaster

Send the complete tray markings and photographs, the device part number or drawing, the quantity including covers, and the date needed. Tell Malaster whether new trays are required or reusable trays may be considered, and include the process and documentation requirements. If identification is still uncertain, start with Malaster’s tray-identification guide.