I commented on a /r/AssholeDesign thread about unservicable parts in consumer goods (epoxy potted electronics in a washing machine, for example. While there are reasons to do this (vibration resistance, waterproofing), there’s also legal/ip reasons (prevent intellectual property theft, although this is easily done with the right tools (X-ray) and potions (acids that dissolve epoxies), there’s also the “prevent the hobbyist from fixing it themselves”; but surely this is a very small user-case; 90% probably are onboard with the “junk it and buy another” consumerist mentality.
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In addition to the good comments already here, I’d add that very little of these sort of components are repaired. The company won’t have parts for the end-user or even certified repair depots. Just not worth the time to manage these penny-apiece components.
I’m going thru an annoying issue with a CDN$100 microwave from a name brand I’ve always trusted. Cheap, basic, but problem free. Membrane buttons work intermittently, sometimes OK for days then nothing for a week. Doing the 1″ bounce test sometimes makes it chooch again, sometimes not. Likely a bad connection on a small component. Fixable with a tap of the soldering iron, or a replacement interconnect cable.
But there’s no money in taking it apart, diagnosing & fixing the problem, re-assemble, test to be sure it’s fixed, and return it to me. They’ve already lost any profit they made, if it wasn’t a loss-leader to begin with. Instead, I have to destroy it and send video and photographic evidence before warranty will be honoured. Which might be a cheque or a replacement unit, likely refurbished.
I know, I know… I’m to blame for this. I generally seek out the lowest possible price for most things.
