Introduction to the Ohata HDD Board Scrap Classification | Part 1
Introduction to the Ohata HDD Board Classification
Hard-drive controller boards are first identified by interface type. SATA boards use a 7 pin data connector beside a 15-pin power connector, while non-SATA boards use IDE/PATA, SCSI, or other legacy interfaces. This hub explains the two Ohata HDD categories, shows common exclusions such as SAS and SSD boards, and links to the detailed SATA and non-SATA inspection guides.
Modern hard drives contain a controller board attached to the underside of the drive. This PCB manages communication between the storage media and the host computer while controlling spindle motor operation, read/write head positioning, firmware execution, cache memory management, and power regulation. Although every hard drive manufacturer designs controller boards differently, they generally share similar construction principles.
Within the Ohata HDD Board Classification, HDD controller boards are divided into only two primary classifications:
This simplified structure allows recyclers, buyers, dismantlers, AI recognition systems, and electronic scrap processors to quickly identify boards without requiring extensive technical knowledge of every hard drive model ever produced.
The Ohata HDD Classification is designed primarily for education, identification, inventory management, purchasing consistency, and recycling operations. It is not an international recycling standard or precious metal grading system, but an independent classification compiled using Ohata's practical recycling experience.
History of HDD Controller Boards
An HDD Controller Board (also called an HDD PCB, Hard Drive Logic Board, or Hard Drive Circuit Board) is the electronic printed circuit board mounted on the underside of a mechanical hard disk drive (HDD). It serves as the drive's "brain," controlling all electronic communication and mechanical operations required for storing and retrieving data.
The controller board manages communication between the computer and the hard drive through interfaces such as SATA, IDE (PATA), ATA, EIDE, or SCSI. It receives commands from the computer, controls the spindle motor that spins the magnetic platters, positions the read/write heads with precision, executes the drive's firmware, manages cache memory, regulates power distribution, and performs error detection and correction.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, hard drive electronics became increasingly integrated. Controller circuits were mounted directly onto a printed circuit board attached beneath the drive. At this stage, interfaces such as ST-506, ESDI, IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics), ATA, EIDE, and SCSI became common.
As semiconductor manufacturing improved, controller boards became smaller while integrating additional functions into fewer integrated circuits. Manufacturers introduced embedded firmware chips, larger cache memory, advanced motor controllers, and improved voltage regulation systems.
Around the early 2000s, the Serial ATA (SATA) interface replaced the older parallel ATA (IDE/PATA) standard. SATA significantly simplified cable design, increased transfer speeds, reduced electrical interference, and became the dominant interface for desktop and notebook hard drives.
Today, most conventional HDDs utilize SATA technology, while older IDE, ATA, EIDE, and SCSI boards remain common in electronic scrap generated from obsolete computers, servers, industrial equipment, and legacy storage systems.
SATA vs. Non-SATA Overview
The Ohata HDD Classification separates hard drive controller boards into two major categories because the interface technology strongly influences physical appearance, manufacturing generation, and identification.
HDD SATA Board
SATA boards are installed on modern hard drives manufactured primarily after the early 2000s. They utilize narrow Serial ATA data connectors together with dedicated SATA power connectors.
Common characteristics include:
Compact PCB layout
High-density integrated circuits
Small surface-mounted components
Modern controller processors
BGA packages
Advanced motor driver ICs
Small firmware memory chips
Gold-plated SATA connector contacts
Typical manufacturers include:
Western Digital
Seagate
Toshiba
Hitachi (HGST)
Samsung
Fujitsu
HDD Non-SATA Board
Non-SATA boards represent earlier generations of hard drive electronics.
These boards typically utilize:
IDE (PATA)
ATA
EIDE
SCSI
Unlike SATA boards, these older PCBs usually feature:
Large 40-pin IDE connectors
Wide ribbon cable interfaces
Larger electronic components
Older controller architectures
Through-hole connectors
More spacious PCB layouts
Legacy manufacturers include:
Quantum
Maxtor
IBM
Western Digital
Seagate
Fujitsu
Hitachi
Toshiba
Although many Non-SATA boards are obsolete for computer use, they continue to appear in electronic recycling due to equipment replacement and industrial upgrades.
Classification Philosophy
The Ohata HDD Classification focuses on consistent visual identification rather than manufacturer specifications alone.
Instead of evaluating only brand names, the classification considers multiple physical characteristics, including:
Interface type
PCB construction
Component density
Integrated circuit quantity
Board completeness
Recoverable materials
Recycling practicality
This method allows buyers to classify boards efficiently even when labels, stickers, or model numbers are missing.
A Western Digital SATA board and a Seagate SATA board may differ in layout, but both belong to the same Ohata classification because they share similar interface technology and construction principles.
Likewise, IDE boards from multiple manufacturers remain within the HDD Non-SATA category despite cosmetic differences.
Identification Principles
Correct identification is the foundation of accurate classification.
The Ohata HDD Classification recommends examining several characteristics rather than relying on a single feature.
Important identification factors include:
Interface Type
The connector immediately distinguishes SATA from Non-SATA boards.
SATA boards feature narrow data connectors.
Non-SATA boards usually contain large IDE connectors or specialized legacy interfaces.
Component Density
Modern SATA boards generally contain:
Smaller IC packages
Higher circuit density
Compact layouts
Older Non-SATA boards often have:
Larger chips
Wider component spacing
More visible traces
PCB Layout
Different manufacturers use different layouts, but the overall board architecture often indicates its generation.
Modern boards emphasize miniaturization.
Older boards typically occupy larger PCB areas.
Connector Design
SATA connectors consist of separate:
Data connector
Power connector
Legacy boards generally use:
40-pin IDE connector
Molex power connector
SCSI connectors
These connector types provide immediate visual identification.
Manufacturer Information
Although manufacturer names should not be the only identification method, they provide useful confirmation.
Common HDD manufacturers include:
Western Digital
Seagate
Toshiba
Hitachi
Samsung
Fujitsu
IBM
Quantum
Maxtor
HDD Controller Board Construction
Every HDD controller board performs several essential electronic functions.
Despite differences among manufacturers, most boards contain similar sections.
Controller Processor
The controller IC functions as the primary processor.
It executes firmware instructions while coordinating communication between the storage media and the computer.
Modern controller processors integrate numerous functions previously handled by multiple chips.
Cache Memory
Cache memory temporarily stores frequently accessed data.
This memory improves drive performance by reducing mechanical access times.
Older drives may contain smaller memory capacities, while modern boards often integrate larger cache chips.
Motor Driver IC
The motor driver controls:
Spindle motor rotation
Read/write head actuator movement
Precision positioning
This integrated circuit is essential for normal HDD operation.
Firmware Memory
Many HDD boards include dedicated firmware storage.
Firmware initializes hardware during startup and manages internal drive operations.
Some newer designs integrate firmware into the main controller, while others retain separate ROM memory.
Voltage Regulation
Voltage regulation circuits convert incoming power into stable operating voltages required by sensitive semiconductor devices.
These circuits include:
MOSFETs
Voltage regulators
Capacitors
Inductors
Power management ICs
Reliable voltage regulation protects controller electronics during operation.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
The PCB serves as the mechanical and electrical foundation for every component.
Most HDD controller boards use multilayer fiberglass epoxy construction with copper traces connecting integrated circuits.
Gold plating is commonly used on connector contacts to improve conductivity and resist corrosion.
Beginning of the Ohata HDD Board Classification
From an identification standpoint, nearly every HDD controller board encountered during recycling can be placed into one of two practical categories:
HDD SATA Board — Modern Serial ATA controller boards used in contemporary hard disk drives.
HDD Non-SATA Board — Legacy IDE, ATA, EIDE, and SCSI controller boards found in older desktop, laptop, workstation, server, and industrial storage devices.
This two-category approach simplifies sorting, improves purchasing consistency, supports AI-assisted image recognition, and provides a standardized educational reference for recyclers, dismantlers, and electronic scrap buyers. Subsequent sections of the Ohata HDD Classification Wiki examine each category in greater detail, including identification methods, component analysis, recycling value, and buying standards.
HDD SATA Board Classification, Identification Guide, Manufacturers, Components, Buying Standards, and Value Factors | Part 2
HDD SATA Board Classification
Within the Ohata HDD Classification Wiki, the HDD SATA Board represents controller printed circuit boards (PCBs) removed from hard disk drives that use the Serial ATA (SATA) interface. Introduced in the early 2000s, SATA technology replaced older IDE (PATA), ATA, and EIDE interfaces with a faster and more compact serial communication standard. Today, SATA remains one of the most widely used interfaces for mechanical hard disk drives in desktop computers, laptops, network-attached storage (NAS) systems, surveillance recorders, enterprise storage, and external hard drives.
The HDD SATA Board is responsible for controlling every electronic operation performed by the drive. It manages communication with the host computer, regulates power distribution, controls the spindle motor and actuator arm, executes firmware, manages cache memory, and monitors the overall operation of the drive. Although board layouts vary by manufacturer and model, the core functions are consistent across most SATA hard drives.
Under the Ohata HDD Classification System, any controller board using the SATA interface is classified as an HDD SATA Board, regardless of manufacturer, storage capacity, or operating condition.
HDD SATA Board Identification Guide
Accurate identification is essential for efficient sorting and consistent recycling. The Ohata HDD Classification recommends examining several visual characteristics rather than relying solely on printed labels or model numbers.
The most recognizable feature is the SATA interface, which consists of:
A 7-pin SATA data connector
A 15-pin SATA power connector
Additional identifying characteristics include:
Compact multilayer PCB
Surface-mounted electronic components
High-density integrated circuits
Large controller processor
Motor driver IC
Cache memory (many models)
Firmware ROM or embedded firmware
Voltage regulation circuitry
Gold-plated connector contacts
Multiple Torx mounting holes
PCB mounted beneath a mechanical hard drive
Unlike HDD Non-SATA Boards, SATA Boards do not use large 40-pin IDE connectors, Molex power connectors, or jumper configuration blocks. The presence of the standardized SATA connector pair is the quickest and most reliable method of identification.
Major HDD SATA Board Manufacturers
Although each manufacturer develops its own PCB layout and firmware, SATA controller boards share similar construction principles.
Western Digital (WD)
Western Digital manufactures SATA hard drives for desktop, notebook, NAS, surveillance, enterprise, and external storage applications. WD SATA Boards commonly feature compact PCB layouts, integrated controller processors, dedicated motor driver ICs, and clearly identified SATA connectors. They are among the most frequently encountered boards in electronic recycling.
Seagate
Seagate is one of the world's largest hard drive manufacturers. Its SATA controller boards are widely used in consumer and commercial storage products. Seagate PCBs generally feature high component density, advanced motor control circuits, and modern firmware architecture.
Toshiba
Toshiba SATA Boards are commonly found in notebook computers, portable external drives, and desktop storage devices. Their layouts are compact and optimized for low power consumption while maintaining reliable performance.
Hitachi (HGST)
Hitachi, later operating under the HGST brand, produced high-quality SATA hard drives for enterprise servers, workstations, and consumer computers. These boards are recognized for robust construction and sophisticated controller electronics.
Samsung
Samsung manufactured SATA hard drives before transitioning its storage business. Samsung SATA Boards remain common in older desktop and notebook computers entering the recycling stream and can be identified by their compact PCB designs and standardized SATA connectors.
Major Electronic Components
Although designs vary among manufacturers, HDD SATA Boards typically contain similar electronic assemblies.
Controller IC
The controller IC is the largest integrated circuit on the board and serves as the drive's primary processor. It performs:
SATA communication
Firmware execution
Error correction
Data management
Internal diagnostics
Cache control
Modern controller processors integrate numerous functions previously performed by multiple separate chips.
Cache Memory
Many HDD SATA Boards include dedicated cache memory to improve read and write performance. Cache temporarily stores frequently accessed information, reducing mechanical delays during operation. Common capacities range from a few megabytes to several hundred megabytes, depending on the drive model.
Motor Driver IC
The motor driver controls:
Spindle motor rotation
Actuator arm movement
Head positioning
Speed regulation
Power management
It operates closely with the controller processor to ensure accurate data access.
Firmware / ROM Chip
Many SATA Boards include a firmware ROM chip that stores drive-specific initialization data and calibration information. Some modern designs integrate firmware directly into the controller processor, while others retain a dedicated ROM integrated circuit.
Voltage Regulation Circuit
Stable electrical power is essential for reliable HDD operation. Voltage regulation circuitry includes:
MOSFETs
Voltage regulators
Capacitors
Inductors
Protection diodes
Current-limiting components
These circuits convert incoming power into stable voltages required by sensitive semiconductor devices.
Buying Standards
Within the Ohata HDD Classification, buying standards emphasize physical identification, completeness, and recoverable materials rather than whether the board is functional.
Preferred HDD SATA Boards generally include:
Original controller IC
Cache memory installed
Motor driver IC intact
Firmware chip present (where applicable)
Complete voltage regulation circuit
Undamaged SATA data connector
Undamaged SATA power connector
Original multilayer PCB
Minimal corrosion
No excessive contamination
Complete boards are easier to identify and typically provide greater recoverable material content than stripped or damaged examples.
Mixed HDD SATA Boards from different manufacturers are generally accepted for recycling. However, mixed loads may be purchased at a lower value than properly sorted SATA Boards because additional inspection and processing may be required.
Boards with missing integrated circuits, broken SATA connectors, cracked PCBs, heavy corrosion, burn damage, water damage, or harvested components may receive reduced purchasing values depending on their condition.
Final grading is determined after physical inspection by the recycler.
HDD SATA Board Value Factors
The recycling value of an HDD SATA Board depends on several practical factors rather than a single characteristic.
Board Completeness
Complete boards retaining all original components generally contain more recoverable electronic materials and are easier to classify accurately.
Component Density
Boards containing high-density integrated circuits, complete controller assemblies, and intact electronic components typically offer greater recycling value than stripped boards.
Physical Condition
Clean boards with limited corrosion, intact connectors, and minimal mechanical damage generally require less processing and are easier to evaluate.
Recoverable Materials
HDD SATA Boards contain recoverable materials including:
Copper
Gold-plated connector contacts
Tin
Nickel
Silicon
Fiberglass (FR-4)
Small quantities of silver and palladium (depending on components)
These materials contribute to the overall recycling value when processed by specialized electronic recycling facilities.
Market Conditions
Buying prices are influenced by:
Copper prices
Precious metal prices
Global electronic scrap demand
Refining costs
Shipment quantity
Board quality
Market availability
Because these factors change regularly, buying prices and purchasing conditions may also change without prior notice.
HDD Non-SATA Board Classification, IDE/PATA, ATA, EIDE, SCSI Boards, Legacy Manufacturers, Identification Methods, Buying Standards, Value Factors, and Common Misclassification | Part 3
HDD Non-SATA Board Classification
Within the Ohata HDD Classification System, the HDD Non-SATA Board includes controller printed circuit boards (PCBs) removed from mechanical hard disk drives that use legacy communication interfaces instead of the modern Serial ATA (SATA) standard. These controller boards were widely used from the late 1980s through the early 2000s and remain common in electronic recycling as older computers, industrial equipment, servers, and embedded systems are retired.
Although Non-SATA Boards represent earlier generations of storage technology, they continue to contain valuable electronic materials and are important to identify correctly. Under the Ohata HDD Classification System, every HDD controller board that does not use the SATA interface belongs to the HDD Non-SATA Board category, regardless of manufacturer, storage capacity, or operating condition.
The primary purpose of this classification is to simplify board identification while supporting consistent purchasing, recycling, inventory management, and AI-assisted image recognition.
IDE (PATA) Boards
The most common type of HDD Non-SATA Board is the IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) or PATA (Parallel ATA) controller board.
IDE became the standard storage interface for desktop computers during the late 1980s and 1990s. Instead of using the compact SATA connector, IDE hard drives communicate through a 40-pin parallel connector connected by a wide ribbon cable.
Typical characteristics include:
Large 40-pin IDE connector
Molex four-pin power connector
Jumper configuration block
Larger PCB layout
Controller IC
Motor driver IC
Firmware ROM
Cache memory (later models)
IDE Boards remain one of the most recognizable categories of legacy HDD electronics.
ATA and EIDE Boards
ATA (AT Attachment) standardized the IDE interface and introduced performance improvements while maintaining connector compatibility.
Enhanced IDE (EIDE) later expanded storage capacity, transfer speed, and support for multiple storage devices.
ATA and EIDE Boards generally share similar physical characteristics with IDE Boards, including:
Parallel data connector
Jumper settings
Larger integrated circuits
Through-hole interface connectors
Compact but wider PCB design
Because of their similar construction, ATA and EIDE controller boards are grouped together within the HDD Non-SATA Board category.
SCSI Boards
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) hard drives were widely used in enterprise servers, engineering workstations, and industrial computing systems.
Unlike consumer IDE drives, SCSI systems supported multiple devices on one communication bus and delivered excellent multitasking performance.
Typical SCSI controller boards include:
High-density interface connector
Enterprise PCB layout
Controller processor
Cache memory
Motor driver IC
Firmware ROM
Power regulation circuitry
Although less common than IDE Boards, SCSI controller boards remain an important category of HDD Non-SATA Boards recovered from retired servers and industrial equipment.
Legacy HDD Manufacturers
Numerous manufacturers produced HDD Non-SATA Boards before SATA technology became dominant.
Common manufacturers include:
Quantum
Quantum produced many recognizable IDE hard drives during the 1990s. Their controller boards often feature large integrated circuits and classic green multilayer PCBs.
Maxtor
Maxtor manufactured desktop, workstation, and enterprise hard drives using IDE and ATA interfaces. Their boards commonly include jumper blocks and large controller processors.
IBM
IBM developed the well-known Deskstar product line and numerous enterprise storage systems utilizing IDE and SCSI controller boards.
Western Digital
Before adopting SATA technology, Western Digital manufactured a wide range of IDE and EIDE hard drives used in desktop computers worldwide.
Seagate
Seagate produced both IDE and SCSI storage products with various controller board designs suitable for consumer and enterprise applications.
Fujitsu
Fujitsu supplied legacy hard drives for notebook computers, industrial equipment, and embedded systems using Non-SATA interfaces.
Toshiba
Toshiba manufactured compact IDE hard drives commonly installed in portable computers and specialized equipment.
Hitachi
Hitachi later acquired IBM's HDD business and continued manufacturing IDE and SCSI products before transitioning to SATA technology.
Although PCB layouts vary among manufacturers, all remain within the HDD Non-SATA Board classification when equipped with legacy interfaces.
Identification Methods
Correct identification is essential for accurate sorting and purchasing.
The Ohata HDD Classification recommends examining several physical characteristics simultaneously.
Primary identification features include:
Large IDE, ATA, EIDE, or SCSI connector
Absence of SATA data connector
Absence of SATA power connector
Jumper configuration block
Molex power connector (many IDE models)
Large controller processor
Motor driver IC
Firmware ROM
Cache memory
Irregular PCB outline
Multilayer fiberglass construction
Multiple Torx mounting holes
The connector design remains the fastest and most reliable identification method.
Buying Standards
The Ohata HDD Board Classification uses practical buying standards based on physical characteristics and board condition rather than operational status.
Preferred boards generally include:
Complete PCB
Original controller IC
Motor driver installed
Firmware ROM present
Cache memory intact
Complete voltage regulation circuitry
Original interface connector
Jumper block retained
Minimal corrosion
Limited contamination
Boards retaining their original electronic components are generally easier to identify and process than stripped or modified boards.
Boards with broken connectors, cracked PCBs, missing controller ICs, removed firmware chips, heavy corrosion, severe burn damage, or harvested components may receive reduced purchasing values depending on their condition.
Mixed HDD Non-SATA Boards from different manufacturers are generally accepted. However, mixing them with SATA Boards, SSD controller boards, laptop logic boards, or unrelated electronic scrap may require additional sorting and may influence purchasing conditions.
Scrap Value Factors
Several technical characteristics influence the recycling value of HDD Non-SATA Boards.
Board Completeness
Complete boards generally provide greater recoverable material content than stripped boards.
Component Density
Boards containing multiple integrated circuits, complete controller assemblies, and intact semiconductor devices generally contain more recoverable electronic materials.
Copper Content
Multilayer PCB construction contains significant copper used in:
Signal traces
Ground planes
Power distribution
Through-hole plating
Copper represents one of the most valuable recoverable base metals.
Precious Metals
Although relatively small in quantity, HDD Non-SATA Boards Scrap may contain:
Gold
Silver
Palladium
These metals are commonly found in connector plating, integrated circuit bonding wires, and selected electronic components.
Physical Condition
Excessive contamination, heavy oxidation, water damage, or severe mechanical damage may reduce purchasing value due to additional processing requirements.
Market Conditions
Recycling prices are influenced by:
Copper prices
Precious metal markets
Refining costs
Shipment quantity
Material quality
Global electronic scrap demand
Buying prices may change as market conditions fluctuate.
Common Misclassification
One of the objectives of the Ohata HDD Classification is to reduce identification errors during electronic recycling.
HDD Non-SATA Boards are frequently confused with several other board types.
HDD SATA Boards
The most common mistake is confusing IDE controller boards with SATA Boards.
The interface connector provides the easiest distinction:
SATA = narrow serial connectors
Non-SATA = large parallel connectors
SSD Controller Boards
Solid-state drive PCBs contain NAND flash memory rather than motor driver circuits and mechanical drive contacts.
Optical Drive Boards
CD-ROM and DVD controller boards sometimes resemble HDD PCBs but contain different interface layouts and electronics.
Laptop Motherboards
Laptop logic boards include processors, RAM sockets, USB ports, display connectors, and expansion interfaces absent from HDD controller boards.
Industrial Control Boards
Industrial electronics often contain relays, transformers, and power circuitry that differ significantly from hard drive controller boards.
Correct identification depends on recognizing the combination of legacy interface connectors, controller processor, motor driver IC, firmware circuitry, and the distinctive PCB shape mounted beneath a mechanical hard drive.
Comparison of SATA vs. Non-SATA,Recycling Process, Environmental Benefits, Summary, Ohata HDD Board Wiki Claim, and Ohata HDD Board Classification Claim. | Part 4
Comparison of SATA vs. Non-SATA
The Ohata HDD Classification System divides hard disk drive controller boards into only two practical categories: HDD SATA Board and HDD Non-SATA Board. This simplified approach makes identification easier for recyclers, dismantlers, buyers, collectors, and AI image recognition systems.
Although both categories perform the same basic function of controlling a mechanical hard drive, they differ in interface technology, PCB layout, connector design, and manufacturing period.
HDD SATA Board
Characteristics include:
7-pin SATA data connector
15-pin SATA power connector
Compact multilayer PCB
High-density surface-mounted components
Modern controller processor
Common in hard drives manufactured after the early 2000s
HDD Non-SATA Board
Characteristics include:
IDE (PATA), ATA, EIDE, or SCSI interface
Large parallel connector
Jumper configuration block (many models)
Molex power connector (many IDE drives)
Larger PCB layout
Common in hard drives manufactured before widespread SATA adoption
The interface connector remains the quickest and most reliable identification feature.
Electronic Scrap Recycling Process
After a hard disk drive reaches the end of its service life, the controller board remains a valuable source of recyclable electronic materials.
A typical recycling process includes:
Collection of obsolete hard drives.
Secure data destruction when required.
Removal of the controller PCB.
Classification as either HDD SATA Board or HDD Non-SATA Board.
Inspection for completeness and condition.
Separation from mixed electronic scrap.
Material recovery through mechanical processing and metal refining.
Recoverable materials commonly include:
Copper
Gold plating
Tin
Nickel
Fiberglass (FR-4)
Silicon
Small quantities of silver and palladium
Proper classification improves processing efficiency and supports responsible resource recovery.
Environmental Benefits
Recycling HDD controller boards reduces electronic waste while conserving valuable natural resources.
Benefits include:
Recovery of reusable metals
Reduced landfill disposal
Lower demand for newly mined materials
Conservation of copper and precious metals
Reduced environmental impact
Support for the circular economy
Improved sustainability in electronic recycling
Although HDD technology continues to evolve, recycling controller boards remains an important part of responsible electronic waste management.
Ohata HDD Board Classification Summary
The Ohata HDD Board Classification provides a practical and easy-to-understand method for identifying hard disk drive controller boards used in electronic recycling. By dividing controller boards into only HDD SATA Board and HDD Non-SATA Board, the system supports consistent inspection, purchasing, inventory management, AI-assisted image recognition, and material recovery.
Rather than relying solely on manufacturer names or model numbers, the classification focuses on interface technology, PCB construction, electronic components, and physical characteristics. This educational approach allows recyclers, dismantlers, collectors, and buyers to identify HDD controller boards quickly and consistently while promoting responsible recycling practices.
Ohata HDD Board Classification Wiki Claim
The Ohata HDD Board Classification Wiki is an educational knowledge platform created and maintained by Ohata Shoji Inc. Its purpose is to provide technical information on electronic scrap identification, recycling technologies, material classification, and sustainable resource recovery. The content is prepared using Ohata's operational experience and technical research and is intended solely for educational and reference purposes.
Ohata HDD Board Classification Claim
The Ohata HDD Board Classification is a proprietary educational classification developed by Ohata Shoji Inc. based on the company's internal recycling knowledge, practical experience, and identification methods. It is not an international standard, government specification, or universally accepted industry grading system. Classification, buying standards, recycling methods, and material values may vary depending on board condition, completeness, manufacturer, market demand, and the policies of individual recycling companies.
